Chamber and committees

I will point out that what I am doing, though—

I will come to my question. However, I note that other colleagues have asked specific questions about the fair fares review and integrated ticketing pilots. All that I am doing is asking a question that is similar to what colleagues have already asked—they were not told that they were straying from the point, which I think is important.

What is your timeline for identifying areas that may be considered for a pilot? How would members such as Monica Lennon, Mark Ruskell and me know that our area is being actively considered, so that we can get involved and support any bids or pilots that may be in the pipeline?

I think that you took a very generous definition of “a wee bit” there, convener.

The powers that are contained in the instrument, which cover BSIP, franchising and municipal bus companies, are enabling powers. It is not a directive for the SPT, which covers my area, or others to use those powers; rather, it provides enabling powers that will allow us to plan ahead for the future. Will the minister confirm that, for a region as big as the one that the SPT covers, this is not an either/or? We live in a world in which a bus services improvement partnership could be developed for one part of the SPT area; a business case for franchising could be developed—the SPT is currently doing that and it will take several years and be of significant cost, I understand; and local authorities and the SPT could dip their toe in the water in relation to running municipal services. Therefore, it is not a choice between three options; it will be a case of mix and match at a local level to best meet the needs of strategic transport and buses.

That is helpful, because sometimes it feels as though it is an either/or.

Monica Lennon was quite right to raise the issue of finances. We know that, if the SPT was to use franchising powers, the costs would be eye-watering. There is no point in anyone around this table, from any party, pretending that the Government has got spare change for that sitting about in its coffers, because it simply does not. Will you say a little bit more about the conversation that the Scottish Government would expect to have with other parties in this place, and with any current or future Government at Westminster, about how to identify such funds that simply do not exist just now? If we are serious about our net zero aspirations, that will take partnership working across parties and Governments, and it needs to be financed. Will you set out your thoughts on how we should have those constructive conversations?

Will members be informed at that point, or is there a timeline for when you are likely to have a timeline? In other words, can you tell us that you will be able to clarify what that timeline will look like within six months, for example?

Let us say that it is rhetorical, convener.

I think that I would like you to focus on the applications and the forms, Mr Barraclough. [Laughter.]

That was perhaps stating the obvious, but I wanted to get it on the record.

Do you have any comments on this line of questioning, Gayle?

Can a user go to that portal and ask, “Can someone give me a call? I’m a bit confused.”

I suppose that I meant both. I am particularly interested in the hearings process, but I understand that there is more general activity online that does not involve a video platform, but involves going back and forth by email and the like. Perhaps it is about both, Mr Barraclough—