I am thinking of starting a new stage carriage service
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in my rural area—at present I operate one coach on mainly schools or private hire work. Could you tell me how I can qualify for a new bus grant? Can I get a grant if I buy a bus on hire purchase? A You can qualify for a grant towards the cost of a new vehicle if it is used "wholly or mainly as a stage carriage in Great Britain" under Section 32 of the Transport Act 1968. Since 1971 the grant has been 50 per cent of the 'approved capital expenditure.
Buying a vehicle on hire purchase is simple, as •the Department 4af the Environment will pay the grant in instalments to the operator as he pays off his debt to the finance company. Alternatively, a loan can be obtained for the purchase price of the coach. The operator is then the legal owner and will receive the bus grant immediately which he can repay to the loan company leaving the remainder of the loan •to be repaid by instalments. The dimensions of a bus eligible for grant are clearly laid down. The main ones for high floor single deck are : Wheelbase: 16ft Oin-16ft 2in 4,877mm-4,928mm or 18ft 6in-l&ft 7in 5,639mm-5,664mm or 181t 10in 5,740mm Entrance width 2ft 5in (737mm) minimum clear.