PSVAIR Grant: Transferable A-V Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches
On the afternoon of Tuesday 9th June 2026 the UK's Department for Transport announced the "Transferable A-V Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches" grant funding. This is what was included in the announcement:
PSVAIR grant questions we've been asked
Can you send me an invoice first?
We know that many operators have finance and procurement teams that need an invoice before any payment can be made. Using this page, you can request an invoice by placing your order. You'll then be presented with a payment option to "Request an Invoice." Invoices need to be paid within 7 days to lock in your place in the production queue.
Is induction loop installation required?
No, we can provide you with a portable induction loop that meets the regulations.
I only want to use it for rail replacement work, then take it down, store it in the depot and maybe move it to another vehicle for the next job. How will it cope with that?
That's exactly what our Route Robin Rapid unit is designed for. It's designed to be installed and removed easily.
Is Route Robin equipment eligible for the Transferable A-V Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches grant?
Yes. Route Robin equipment is eligible for the UK Government's Transferable A-V Equipment on Rail Replacement Coaches grant funding.
How much can I reclaim through the PSVAIR grant?
The current grant funding allows you to reclaim up to £2,000 per vehicle for eligible transferable audio-visual equipment.
Does the grant cap include VAT?
The grant is capped at £2k per vehicle excluding VAT. This means that if you bought a solution for £2,850 + VAT, you would pay £3,420 inc VAT. You would reclaim the £570 VAT from HMRC, the government would rebate £1,995 of the cost of the equipment, so in total you would have paid £855 for the equipment.
Is the £2k cap the most I can pay for PSVAIR equipment per vehicle, or the most I can reclaim?
It's the most you can reclaim.
Will Route Robin help with the grant claim?
Yes. Once you've placed your order, we provide a reclaim pack to help you prepare your grant claim in under five minutes.
What happens if my grant reclaim is refused?
If you place your order in June and complete your claim before the end of July, we'll guarantee your grant reclaim. If your grant reclaim is refused, you can return your product for a full refund no questions asked.
Can I claim for purchases made before the grant claim process opens?
Yes. DfT have confirmed that purchases made on or after 9th June 2026 are eligible, provided the equipment and claim meet the grant rules.
Do I need to buy the equipment before claiming?
Yes. The grant reimburses purchased equipment. Quotes are not enough on their own, so you will need proof of purchase for your claim.
Am I eligible if I have never operated rail replacement before?
Yes. Coach operators without recent rail replacement history can still apply, but their funding is tiered differently from operators who have supplied rail replacement services in the previous 12 months.
Does the equipment need to be transferable between vehicles?
Yes. The grant is specifically for transferable audio-visual equipment that can be moved between coaches used for rail replacement services.
Would permanently wired equipment qualify for the grant?
No. The grant excludes permanent refits and equipment that requires wiring into the vehicle.
Are Portable Induction Loops eligible on their own?
Portable Induction Loops are eligible when supplied as part of, or to support, a complete transferable system that generates compliant journey information. On their own, without equipment that generates the required information, they are unlikely to qualify.
Are displays eligible on their own?
Displays are eligible when they are supplied as part of, or to support, a complete transferable system that generates compliant journey information. A display on its own is unlikely to qualify unless it forms part of a compliant system.
Does the system need to generate AIR-compliant information itself?
Yes. The grant is intended for equipment that enables compliance with the Accessible Information Regulations, so the system needs to generate compliant route and stop information rather than simply acting as a passive screen or speaker.
How many vehicles can I claim for?
Operators without recent rail replacement history can claim 75% funding for up to 5 vehicles, then lower rates for additional vehicles. Operators with recent rail replacement history may qualify for 75% funding on their peak rail replacement vehicle requirement, or 5 vehicles, whichever is greater.
What documents will I need for the grant claim?
You should expect to provide proof of purchase, equipment details, operator and business details, and supporting information explaining how the equipment will be used for rail replacement services. We provide you with a reclaim pack to make all of this really simple.
Could the grant funding run out before the six-month window closes?
Yes. The scheme is open for six months or until the funding is depleted, so earlier claims are less likely to be affected by the overall funding cap. Order yours today to avoid missing out.
Can I claim for buses as well as coaches?
No. The scheme is for transferable audio-visual equipment on rail replacement coaches, not buses.