Government funding for local transport decarbonisation

Applications have opened for a £1.3 million competition to 'transform the transport sector, grow the economy and inspire innovation.'

The latest round of the Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) is now open and organisations and academics are able to win up to £45,000 in funding.

This year's competition is partly focused on local transport decarbonisation, which will use innovative ideas that accelerate the decarbonisation of local transport systems, demonstrating an understanding of the needs of local areas and communities, whilst also having the potential to be scaled up across the UK in the future.

It will also seek proposals centred around nation specific transport solutions, maritime decarbonisation, and critical and emerging technologies. 

The TRIG scheme is delivered by Connected Places Catapult and aims to support businesses and academics working on innovative ideas in the early stages of their research and at the same time, improve transport across the country and support skilled UK jobs.

Previous winners include a shuttle bus app which helped to connect rural communities and an expansion of 5G data coverage which helped people to stay online while travelling at sea.

There was also a project using AI technology to provide real-time insights to authorities on how local transport is being used so it can be improved.

Decarbonisation, aviation and technology minister, Anthony Browne, said: "As part of our plan to improve transport across the country, we’re continuing to back the TRIG competition which has funded hundreds of cutting-edge projects over more than a decade.

"Today’s competition launch means projects in their early stages can win tens of thousands of pounds to help improve transport and support skilled UK jobs in the process."

Applications close on 21 May.