Contents

General

1. What’s it all about?

It’s all about finding practical solutions to climate change & air pollution, providing a good service to the community and having fun at the same time.

2. Why is it called Big Lemon?

Tom had a moment of inspiration after seeing some lemons on a grocery stand and thinking that would make a good colour for a bus…

3. What difference can a little bus company make?

Not a huge amount by itself, but if it can show how a community can shift from carbon-intensive transport to sustainable transport and other communities take the idea and run with it, the impact of lots of communities changing the way they get around can be big.

4. Can I do something similar where I live?

Quite possibly! Different countries have their own public transport rules and regulations, but if you’re in the UK there’s no reason at all why something like this wouldn’t work in your community. We’ve published a guide in association with Local United and NESTA which gives you a broad outline of what you need to do. 

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Our Vehicles

5. How many vehicles do you have?

The UK’s first two solar powered electric buses,  six buses, 5 coaches, one electric minibus and one diesel.

6. What do they run on?

From 2007-2017 our vehicles ran on 100% biodiesel from waste cooking oil collected from local restaurants. At very low temperatures the biodiesel freezes so sometimes in the winter we had to add a little diesel or other additive to the fuel to keep it runny enough. We were the first bus company in the UK to run our whole fleet on biodiesel.  We’re moving towards a zero emission all electric bus fleet.

7. Why did they run on biodiesel from waste oil?

Because the carbon footprint is miniscule (80-90% less than diesel), the emissions are not as bad for your health, it diverts waste cooking oil from landfill, it keeps local people in business and it doesn’t require wars to be fought in far off places. If people didn’t use crude oil products like diesel there would also be no oil spills and the world would be a better place.

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Our Drivers

8. How come all your drivers are so friendly?

Because we only hire friendly people, train them and treat them well and they are very happy to see you on the bus.

9. Are there any jobs available?

Possibly, have a look at the Jobs section.

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Public Services

10. What services do you run?

We run 7 local public bus services across Brighton & Hove. 

11. Can you run a service in my area?

We’re often asked about services in other areas, and we’re very interested in hearing from you if you think there’s a gap in provision somewhere. We’re often asked about services in other areas, and we’re very interested in hearing from you if you think there’s a gap in provision somewhere. Click here to email us.

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Private Hire

12. Can I hire a bus?

Yes! Please go to the Coach Hire section.

13. What sizes are your private hire vehicles?

We have a 9 seater electric minibus for local trips in Brighton, a 16 seater minibus, a 24 seater and five 51 seater coaches.

14. Do your coaches have seatbelts?

Yes, all our private hire vehicles have seatbelts.

15. Do you do weddings?

Yes! Please go to the Wedding page.

16. Can we put a special message on the destination screen?

Yes, no problem!

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Festival Coach Services

17. Which festivals are you going to?

Please have a look at our Festivals section.

18. How much are the tickets?

Cheaper than it would cost to go any other way! Have a look at our Festivals section.

19. Can you take us to other festivals?

Yes, you can hire a bus / coach to go to any festival you like! Please go to the Bus & Coach Hire section.

20. I run a festival; can you run services for us?

Yes, we can run coaches from various towns and cities, and we can do a local shuttle too if you like! Click here to email us your requirements

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