'Lack of detail and serious concerns' over Scottish government bus plans
The first minister outlined plans to bring buses under public control through franchising and regulation..
Through franchising, it is understood, the government will outline plans for routes and timetables, then ask the bus operators to compete for the business.
The successful companies for each route will be paid to operate the service and the government will receive the fare revenue.
He said this model can be used to regulate buses but raised questions over how it will be funded and what impact it will have on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
"We have about 150 bus operators in Scotland and a number of our members are concerned about what it will mean for their operation if they are not successful in their bids to run the service," White said.
Under the proposals, there have been claims from bus operators that they could go "out of business" if they do not win the contracts.
White suggested this is the reason why operators, such as McGill's, have spoken out about their concerns and want to understand what it will mean for their business.
"There are examples in England where it has been difficult within these franchises to carve out a role for the many SMEs that exist in the bus sector," he added.
"Our concern is about finding out more detail at this stage and we need to appreciate there are a number of businesses out there that really need to know what will happen to them after 2031.
"We are very alive to the potential implications, which is why we need to sit down with the first minister."
