Bus Service Permit Regime Consultation

Share Bus Service Permit Regime Consultation on Facebook Share Bus Service Permit Regime Consultation on Twitter Share Bus Service Permit Regime Consultation on Linkedin Email Bus Service Permit Regime Consultation link

This page relates to a consultation that took place between Thursday 8 January 2026 to Sunday 8 February 2026. Please note that contributions to this consultation are now closed.

You can read the full analysis of the consultation responses in the Consultation Outcome Report and a short summary of analysis in the Feedback Summary.

As a result of feedback received during the consultation, a number of changes were made to the proposals:

  • Reducing the maximum timescales for the application process to a total of 70 days to align with existing Traffic Commissioner guidelines and processes set out by Transport for Greater Manchester in their permitting system

  • Reducing the burden of the application form by removing the requirement to state the vehicle license plates at time of application. We also plan to introduce a more streamlined online platform for managing service permit applications prior to the launch of the Service Permit Regime

  • streamlining the information required at time of application to ensure that a high-level submission can be completed with finalised details coming as a part of the approvals process

  • Cancellation period will not be changed but we will support short notice cancellations in exceptional circumstances

  • Running a series of one-to-one sessions with operators to assist them in becoming familiar with the new processes

  • Not requiring an additional fee to alter the application to make it statutory test compliant if a submission is not in line with the required criteria at the time of application

  • Grandfathering – for services currently in operation as of September 2026, the first permit fee shall be waived until the start of round 3 of franchising

  • Further guidance will be published, and shared with operators, setting out:

  • How the statutory test will be applied

  • How conditions will be applied to different permitted services

  • Where we would not require the full information at application, in situations where services are not as impactful on the franchised network

  • Further detail on thresholds for changes and cancellations

On Thursday 12 March 2026, the Combined Authority approved the finalised service permit scheme, and an associated notice of the conditions, or descriptions of conditions that may be attached to a service permit, to be put in place before the planned start date of the Franchising Scheme.

The service permit documents will be published to the Combined Authority website later in Spring 2026, ahead of a launch date for applications of September 2026. Joint working arrangements will be established with neighbouring authorities and further engagement will be held with operators to aid in their applications.

On Thursday 14 March 2024, the Mayor of West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced plans to regain control of our buses through franchising. This means that the Combined Authority will manage routes, frequencies, fares and overall standards for buses in the area, rather than private companies. This will start to be rolled out in 2027, with a completion date of late 2028.

The Combined Authority is consulting on our proposed Bus Service Permit Regime, an important part of the bus franchising process. The consultation is open from Thursday 8 January 2026 to 23:59pm on Sunday 8 February 2026. We want to know your views on the regime.

What is a bus service permit regime?

The majority of bus services will be operated as part of a franchised network, however there will be some exceptions. The Service permit regime will allow bus services that are not part of the franchised network to operate in West Yorkshire.

Once the first round of bus franchising goes live in April 2027, any current or proposed local bus services that are not part of the franchised network (or are otherwise exempted) will require a service permit if they are to operate in West Yorkshire.

Examples of where service permits would be required include:

  • Cross–boundary services (those that travel outside West Yorkshire)
  • Special event services
  • Tourist services
  • New West Yorkshire commercial services (non-franchised)
  • New West Yorkshire tendered services (non-franchised)
  • AccessBus
  • Works services
  • Open services that are outside the franchise scheme
  • Locally registered coaches with two stops within West Yorkshire

The service permit regime is made up of the two documents:

  1. The service permit policy which sets out the proposed application process for operators
  2. The service permit conditions which is a list of standards the Combined Authority could attach to a service permit once it’s been granted.

A Service Permit Regime is a vital part of the franchised network as it provides the means for non-franchised services to operate within the region.

It helps prevent services from taking passengers and revenue away from routes under public control, while still allowing other services that benefit the travelling public to continue or be introduced.

Have your say

We are required to consult bus operators, neighbouring Local Transport Authorities, and West Yorkshire Local Authorities on the upcoming service permit regime to ensure that we are creating a system that:

  • Does not put any excessive barriers in the way of bus operators running a service if it would benefit passengers and would not have a negative impact on services which are in the franchised network
  • Is able to work together with our neighbouring Local Transport Authorities and meet their statutory obligations or own franchised network standards.

Alongside the stakeholders we are required to consult we also welcome consultation responses from members of the public.

You can read more about the service permit regime:

Please have your say by filling in our questionnaire.

If you have any questions, need to respond in a different way, or require consultation materials in another format, you contact us by:

  • Email: yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 0113 245 7676 (MetroLine) charged at the standard operator’s rate
  • Post: Freepost WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp needed)
  • Use the Q&A tool on Your Voice: Submit your question here and we will get back to you within seven working days.

Next steps

After the consultation closes, we will analyse your feedback and prepare an outcome report, which will be published on this page when it is ready. Your feedback will help us to finalise the draft service permit regime, which we will take to a meeting of the Combined Authority on Thursday 12 March 2026. The service permit regime will come into effect from Sunday 4 April 2027 as the first round of franchising launches.

This page relates to a consultation that took place between Thursday 8 January 2026 to Sunday 8 February 2026. Please note that contributions to this consultation are now closed.

You can read the full analysis of the consultation responses in the Consultation Outcome Report and a short summary of analysis in the Feedback Summary.

As a result of feedback received during the consultation, a number of changes were made to the proposals:

  • Reducing the maximum timescales for the application process to a total of 70 days to align with existing Traffic Commissioner guidelines and processes set out by Transport for Greater Manchester in their permitting system

  • Reducing the burden of the application form by removing the requirement to state the vehicle license plates at time of application. We also plan to introduce a more streamlined online platform for managing service permit applications prior to the launch of the Service Permit Regime

  • streamlining the information required at time of application to ensure that a high-level submission can be completed with finalised details coming as a part of the approvals process

  • Cancellation period will not be changed but we will support short notice cancellations in exceptional circumstances

  • Running a series of one-to-one sessions with operators to assist them in becoming familiar with the new processes

  • Not requiring an additional fee to alter the application to make it statutory test compliant if a submission is not in line with the required criteria at the time of application

  • Grandfathering – for services currently in operation as of September 2026, the first permit fee shall be waived until the start of round 3 of franchising

  • Further guidance will be published, and shared with operators, setting out:

  • How the statutory test will be applied

  • How conditions will be applied to different permitted services

  • Where we would not require the full information at application, in situations where services are not as impactful on the franchised network

  • Further detail on thresholds for changes and cancellations

On Thursday 12 March 2026, the Combined Authority approved the finalised service permit scheme, and an associated notice of the conditions, or descriptions of conditions that may be attached to a service permit, to be put in place before the planned start date of the Franchising Scheme.

The service permit documents will be published to the Combined Authority website later in Spring 2026, ahead of a launch date for applications of September 2026. Joint working arrangements will be established with neighbouring authorities and further engagement will be held with operators to aid in their applications.

On Thursday 14 March 2024, the Mayor of West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced plans to regain control of our buses through franchising. This means that the Combined Authority will manage routes, frequencies, fares and overall standards for buses in the area, rather than private companies. This will start to be rolled out in 2027, with a completion date of late 2028.

The Combined Authority is consulting on our proposed Bus Service Permit Regime, an important part of the bus franchising process. The consultation is open from Thursday 8 January 2026 to 23:59pm on Sunday 8 February 2026. We want to know your views on the regime.

What is a bus service permit regime?

The majority of bus services will be operated as part of a franchised network, however there will be some exceptions. The Service permit regime will allow bus services that are not part of the franchised network to operate in West Yorkshire.

Once the first round of bus franchising goes live in April 2027, any current or proposed local bus services that are not part of the franchised network (or are otherwise exempted) will require a service permit if they are to operate in West Yorkshire.

Examples of where service permits would be required include:

  • Cross–boundary services (those that travel outside West Yorkshire)
  • Special event services
  • Tourist services
  • New West Yorkshire commercial services (non-franchised)
  • New West Yorkshire tendered services (non-franchised)
  • AccessBus
  • Works services
  • Open services that are outside the franchise scheme
  • Locally registered coaches with two stops within West Yorkshire

The service permit regime is made up of the two documents:

  1. The service permit policy which sets out the proposed application process for operators
  2. The service permit conditions which is a list of standards the Combined Authority could attach to a service permit once it’s been granted.

A Service Permit Regime is a vital part of the franchised network as it provides the means for non-franchised services to operate within the region.

It helps prevent services from taking passengers and revenue away from routes under public control, while still allowing other services that benefit the travelling public to continue or be introduced.

Have your say

We are required to consult bus operators, neighbouring Local Transport Authorities, and West Yorkshire Local Authorities on the upcoming service permit regime to ensure that we are creating a system that:

  • Does not put any excessive barriers in the way of bus operators running a service if it would benefit passengers and would not have a negative impact on services which are in the franchised network
  • Is able to work together with our neighbouring Local Transport Authorities and meet their statutory obligations or own franchised network standards.

Alongside the stakeholders we are required to consult we also welcome consultation responses from members of the public.

You can read more about the service permit regime:

Please have your say by filling in our questionnaire.

If you have any questions, need to respond in a different way, or require consultation materials in another format, you contact us by:

  • Email: yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 0113 245 7676 (MetroLine) charged at the standard operator’s rate
  • Post: Freepost WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp needed)
  • Use the Q&A tool on Your Voice: Submit your question here and we will get back to you within seven working days.

Next steps

After the consultation closes, we will analyse your feedback and prepare an outcome report, which will be published on this page when it is ready. Your feedback will help us to finalise the draft service permit regime, which we will take to a meeting of the Combined Authority on Thursday 12 March 2026. The service permit regime will come into effect from Sunday 4 April 2027 as the first round of franchising launches.

Ask us a question

Ask us a question and the project team will get back to you.  

Email
loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share I would like Buses that will need to be on time and i would like for places/spaces for people, disabled and prams. on Facebook Share I would like Buses that will need to be on time and i would like for places/spaces for people, disabled and prams. on Twitter Share I would like Buses that will need to be on time and i would like for places/spaces for people, disabled and prams. on Linkedin Email I would like Buses that will need to be on time and i would like for places/spaces for people, disabled and prams. link

    I would like Buses that will need to be on time and i would like for places/spaces for people, disabled and prams.

    Chelsea26 asked about 2 months ago
    Thank you for getting in touch. 

    The Combined Authority has recently undertaken a consultation with the public regarding on board bus specifications (this included accessibility considerations, such as ramps, space for wheelchair users, prams and seating for those who need it most) A consultation outcome report will be published soon.
  • Share What vehicles do you plan on ordering and as a bus enthusiast do you want any suggestions. As for the electric side I’d go for eCitaro, Enviro200EV, Enviro400EV and BZL and BZL DD. These are better than other manufacturers and they have good mileage and are good at urban and rural routes. For Diesel I would choose B8RLE MCV Evora, B8L Evoseti, Enviro400MMC, Enviro200MMC, Citaro, Scania fencers. Now for why I picked them. I picked these models as they are the best buses for comfort and safety in the current uk market and would fit in nicely with the weaver network. As a bus enthusiast I’ve liked buses for many years and as I’ve lived in West Yorkshire my whole life and still will be doing id love to see everything you do. Another question is can email or make public who has won the bids for each area soon in the 1st part. It would be much appreciated, thank you on Facebook Share What vehicles do you plan on ordering and as a bus enthusiast do you want any suggestions. As for the electric side I’d go for eCitaro, Enviro200EV, Enviro400EV and BZL and BZL DD. These are better than other manufacturers and they have good mileage and are good at urban and rural routes. For Diesel I would choose B8RLE MCV Evora, B8L Evoseti, Enviro400MMC, Enviro200MMC, Citaro, Scania fencers. Now for why I picked them. I picked these models as they are the best buses for comfort and safety in the current uk market and would fit in nicely with the weaver network. As a bus enthusiast I’ve liked buses for many years and as I’ve lived in West Yorkshire my whole life and still will be doing id love to see everything you do. Another question is can email or make public who has won the bids for each area soon in the 1st part. It would be much appreciated, thank you on Twitter Share What vehicles do you plan on ordering and as a bus enthusiast do you want any suggestions. As for the electric side I’d go for eCitaro, Enviro200EV, Enviro400EV and BZL and BZL DD. These are better than other manufacturers and they have good mileage and are good at urban and rural routes. For Diesel I would choose B8RLE MCV Evora, B8L Evoseti, Enviro400MMC, Enviro200MMC, Citaro, Scania fencers. Now for why I picked them. I picked these models as they are the best buses for comfort and safety in the current uk market and would fit in nicely with the weaver network. As a bus enthusiast I’ve liked buses for many years and as I’ve lived in West Yorkshire my whole life and still will be doing id love to see everything you do. Another question is can email or make public who has won the bids for each area soon in the 1st part. It would be much appreciated, thank you on Linkedin Email What vehicles do you plan on ordering and as a bus enthusiast do you want any suggestions. As for the electric side I’d go for eCitaro, Enviro200EV, Enviro400EV and BZL and BZL DD. These are better than other manufacturers and they have good mileage and are good at urban and rural routes. For Diesel I would choose B8RLE MCV Evora, B8L Evoseti, Enviro400MMC, Enviro200MMC, Citaro, Scania fencers. Now for why I picked them. I picked these models as they are the best buses for comfort and safety in the current uk market and would fit in nicely with the weaver network. As a bus enthusiast I’ve liked buses for many years and as I’ve lived in West Yorkshire my whole life and still will be doing id love to see everything you do. Another question is can email or make public who has won the bids for each area soon in the 1st part. It would be much appreciated, thank you link

    What vehicles do you plan on ordering and as a bus enthusiast do you want any suggestions. As for the electric side I’d go for eCitaro, Enviro200EV, Enviro400EV and BZL and BZL DD. These are better than other manufacturers and they have good mileage and are good at urban and rural routes. For Diesel I would choose B8RLE MCV Evora, B8L Evoseti, Enviro400MMC, Enviro200MMC, Citaro, Scania fencers. Now for why I picked them. I picked these models as they are the best buses for comfort and safety in the current uk market and would fit in nicely with the weaver network. As a bus enthusiast I’ve liked buses for many years and as I’ve lived in West Yorkshire my whole life and still will be doing id love to see everything you do. Another question is can email or make public who has won the bids for each area soon in the 1st part. It would be much appreciated, thank you

    LiamBuses2010 asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The Combined Authority has recently undertaken a consultation with the public regarding on board bus specifications and a consultation outcome report will be published soon. At the same time we have been undertaking a procurement exercise to purchase the new fleet of buses for our Weaver network, which is governed by public sector procurement rules. The results of this will be made public once we have completed the evaluation of the bidders, I hope you will be interested in seeing the results.

  • Share Is this the right platform to ask about synchronising Buses and Trains? i.e. getting from Wetherby to London with a suitcase; ideally, we need the bus to arrive at Leeds Station with a reliable 15 minutes intermission on Facebook Share Is this the right platform to ask about synchronising Buses and Trains? i.e. getting from Wetherby to London with a suitcase; ideally, we need the bus to arrive at Leeds Station with a reliable 15 minutes intermission on Twitter Share Is this the right platform to ask about synchronising Buses and Trains? i.e. getting from Wetherby to London with a suitcase; ideally, we need the bus to arrive at Leeds Station with a reliable 15 minutes intermission on Linkedin Email Is this the right platform to ask about synchronising Buses and Trains? i.e. getting from Wetherby to London with a suitcase; ideally, we need the bus to arrive at Leeds Station with a reliable 15 minutes intermission link

    Is this the right platform to ask about synchronising Buses and Trains? i.e. getting from Wetherby to London with a suitcase; ideally, we need the bus to arrive at Leeds Station with a reliable 15 minutes intermission

    Simon B asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch. This is a consultation on the permit regime required for locally stopping bus services that are not in scope for franchising. 

    However, as part of the network review we will be undertaking once franchising is underway we will investigate options to align services where this may be reasonably achieved.

  • Share Hello, I'm just seeking to understand, is there a requirement for section 22 services to have a bus services permit under this proposal? on Facebook Share Hello, I'm just seeking to understand, is there a requirement for section 22 services to have a bus services permit under this proposal? on Twitter Share Hello, I'm just seeking to understand, is there a requirement for section 22 services to have a bus services permit under this proposal? on Linkedin Email Hello, I'm just seeking to understand, is there a requirement for section 22 services to have a bus services permit under this proposal? link

    Hello, I'm just seeking to understand, is there a requirement for section 22 services to have a bus services permit under this proposal?

    Chanelle asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your query. Section 22 services are exempt from the service permit regime and can continue to operate under the existing regulations.

  • Share Are there any plans to increase services to poorly served yet high population areas such as Wetherby & Boston Spa? Currently, services are every thirty minutes (at best) from Wetherby to to Leeds and only hourly to and from Boston Spa. The number of designations is also an issue. Although it is possible to reach destinations other than Leeds of Harrogate via public transport, the lack of frequency and early finishing time of these services makes it impractical to use them. on Facebook Share Are there any plans to increase services to poorly served yet high population areas such as Wetherby & Boston Spa? Currently, services are every thirty minutes (at best) from Wetherby to to Leeds and only hourly to and from Boston Spa. The number of designations is also an issue. Although it is possible to reach destinations other than Leeds of Harrogate via public transport, the lack of frequency and early finishing time of these services makes it impractical to use them. on Twitter Share Are there any plans to increase services to poorly served yet high population areas such as Wetherby & Boston Spa? Currently, services are every thirty minutes (at best) from Wetherby to to Leeds and only hourly to and from Boston Spa. The number of designations is also an issue. Although it is possible to reach destinations other than Leeds of Harrogate via public transport, the lack of frequency and early finishing time of these services makes it impractical to use them. on Linkedin Email Are there any plans to increase services to poorly served yet high population areas such as Wetherby & Boston Spa? Currently, services are every thirty minutes (at best) from Wetherby to to Leeds and only hourly to and from Boston Spa. The number of designations is also an issue. Although it is possible to reach destinations other than Leeds of Harrogate via public transport, the lack of frequency and early finishing time of these services makes it impractical to use them. link

    Are there any plans to increase services to poorly served yet high population areas such as Wetherby & Boston Spa? Currently, services are every thirty minutes (at best) from Wetherby to to Leeds and only hourly to and from Boston Spa. The number of designations is also an issue. Although it is possible to reach destinations other than Leeds of Harrogate via public transport, the lack of frequency and early finishing time of these services makes it impractical to use them.

    PaulandChris asked 2 months ago

    Currently the Combined Authority is working to keeping the network as it was in March 2024 when we commenced the franchising process. Once we start receiving patronage and financial data from the services as we start to operate them we will be able to review the network and identify areas which require additional or reduced resource in due course.

  • Share Will it provide a better service to York on Facebook Share Will it provide a better service to York on Twitter Share Will it provide a better service to York on Linkedin Email Will it provide a better service to York link

    Will it provide a better service to York

    Mosser46 asked 3 months ago

    The service permit regime is a means of administering services that fall outside of the scope of bus franchising. 

    Our goal is for the Service Permit Regime is to facilitate services which exist now to continue and to allow other services to appear if needed. 

    Whilst the regime itself will not improve the services to areas outside of West Yorkshire it does enable them to continue and evolve after the transition to franchising.

  • Share Can you make the link to the proposed application form correct please? on Facebook Share Can you make the link to the proposed application form correct please? on Twitter Share Can you make the link to the proposed application form correct please? on Linkedin Email Can you make the link to the proposed application form correct please? link

    Can you make the link to the proposed application form correct please?

    Craig Temple asked 3 months ago
    Good afternoon, 

    The link for the proposed mock application form within the survey has now been updated. Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. The link for the proposed mock application form can also be found on the Service Permit Consultation webpage: https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/46574/widgets/140863/documents/97506 

    Best wishes,
    Megan
Page last updated: 12 Mar 2026, 04:31 PM