Friendly, affordable bus and coach services in Brighton & Hove, using zero-emissions electric buses, powered by renewable energy and owned by the local community
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our staff, passengers, suppliers, stakeholders and supporters for all your help over the last year and we wish you a very Happy New Year! As is now a bit of a tradition, here are the highlights from the last 12 months…
January
We started the year 2025 with a newly qualified ‘high-voltage” engineering team (from L-R in orange) Steve, Henry and Dan, with Ralph the trainer, after completing their IMI Level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Hybrid/Electric Vehicles and Components. The bus behind them is a rare example of a fully electric 2012 Optare Solo.
February
In February we branded our double decker fleet at our Hailsham depot, with two seen here at Beachy Head. There were three different designs in total, Probaby the best ride in the World, Happiness is a ride on The Big Lemon, and Life’s more fun on The Big Lemon.
March
At the end of March we said farewell to our passengers on services 16, 47 and 52 in Brighton, following nearly 13 years of running services for Brighton & Hove City Council. We marked the occasion with a few drinks in the depot at the end of the final day of service, 31st March.
April
In April we implemented some improvements to the X91 WESTlocal service with a minor route amendment and additional stops to help serve more people in the Chew Valley. Further improvements were made in September following the hard work of campaigners and passenger feedback received during a comprehensive public consultation organised by the Chew Valley Community Interest Company.
May
Three double deckers on a day trip to Goodwood Races in May
June
On Brighton seafront about to depart for day 2 of The Big Lemon London to Amsterdam Electric Vehicle Rally, in partnership with the EV Groups Nexus and EVA England, and sponsored by Circular EV. On the way we stopped at a.s.r Insurance for a visit to the world’s largest bi-directional solar-powered EV charging station. The futuristic facility charges vehicles from solar on the roof (sound familiar?!) and the bi-directional chargers can also change direction and take power from the vehicles to power the office if there’s high demand or a power cut.
July
In July we worked with North Somerset Council to design some improvements to the X10 service, including more journeys and an extention of the route to Yatton Station (picture here). The changes took effect from 1 September.
August
Our coach company, Brighton Horizon Coaches, does a lot of international trips as well as local and national ones, and our driver took this rather nice picture in August whilst with a group in Paris.
September
1st September saw the return of a bus service connecting Wotton-under-Edge with Yate, following a long and ultimately successful campaign by residents, led by campaigner Barabara Lawrence. Barbara mobilised the whole community and worked with with councillors, MPs and the West of England Mayor to get the service reinstated, exactly one year after the service was stopped.
October
One of our Brighton Horizon vehicles on Ashdown Forest getting ready for the school run. This picture won Bus & Coach Buyer’s “Photo Friday” competition on 21 November.
November
Our Annual General Meeting took place on 30 November at the Waterhall Clubhouse, Brighton, a new venue using the old golf club in the heart of the city’s rewilding project Wilding Waterhall. The venue offered stunning views across the South Downs, a wonderful location for a review of the year with our stakeholders. Do you want to get involved in The Big Lemon? Drop us a line!
December
One of our double deckers in Boreham Street, East Sussex, ready to start the 268 school bus on a chilly morning in the last week of term before the Christmas holidays. We hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the very best for a happy and healthy New Year 2026!
