Service Permits

Introduction to Service Permits

West Yorkshire Combined Authority are taking control of the bus network in West Yorkshire. The bus routes and timetables will now be operated under contract by the CA under the Weaver Network brand. This means we set the timetables and routes.

There are some services which will not be directly controlled by the Combined Authority and will instead be under a ‘Service Permit’. Examples of these include cross boundary services (ones that run outside of West Yorkshire for a portion of their route) and other types of service such as new routes that aren’t in our franchising scheme.

There are also exempted services such as rail replacement buses which do not require a permit. Further details are available in the Service Permit Regime Policy Document below.

A franchising authority must grant a service permit if they are satisfied that a service meets the following statutory tests:

• The proposed service benefits persons making journeys in the local area
• The proposed service will not have an adverse effect on franchised services

We cannot grant a permit if these requirements are not met.

Any approved service permit can have conditions attached by the Combined Authority which operators are required to adhere to.

Making a Service Permit application

To apply for a Service Permit, fill out this form link. If you run into any issues submitting the form, please get in touch via the mailbox below.

Complete the Service Permit application form

For any queries, please email Service.permits@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Before you apply

Before applying, please read our detailed guidance document which explains the application process and how we will assess a Service Permit application.

If you'd like more detail on how the scheme works and what the application process involves, take a look at our Service Permit policy statement.

Service Permits can come with certain conditions attached. For more on what these might be, see our Service Permit Conditions and Descriptions of Conditions Notice.

Outcome of the Service Permit Consultation

Ahead of setting up the Service Permit Scheme, we were required by legislation to consult stakeholders on:

• The proposed process for Service Permits
• The conditions the franchising authority may attach to a Service Permit, and their descriptions

View the full consultation results

On 18th September 2025, the Mayor decided to allow West Yorkshire Combined Authority to administer the service permit scheme and conditions regime.

Read the Mayoral decision and background papers and associated reports