Subsidy

From OpenTTD

A Transport Subsidy or Subsidy is an incentive for you to transport a designated type of cargo from one specific location to another. The Local Authority will usually notify all players about the subsidy through the Newspaper. Any subsidies available, or any subsidies you or other companies in the game have been awarded (either AI or player-controlled) will appear on this screen:

The Subsidies window showing available and awarded subsidies as well as the dates by which they must be claimed or will end, respectively

Open this screen by clicking on the Subsidies button: .

The Local Authority will increase the amount of revenue made by delivering the designated cargo type between the two locations mentioned in the subsidy, which can range from twice the original revenue up to four times the original revenue. Players that take advantages of subsidies can find themselves making more money than players who do not.

Subsidies are a good way for new players who join a multiplayer game to get a strong foothold easily.