Residents say a bus company has "failed" them badly over recent months. Brighton and Hove City Council has stepped in to help The Big Lemon after cancellations and late running services. Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, said the services provided by the bus company are a “lifeline” that cannot be allowed to fail.
He said the council will give The Big Lemon, which also operates in Bristol and Bath, more funding to help with the issues while also starting a retendering process for the routes. Tom Druitt, chief executive of The Big Lemon, said the company, which provides services with electric buses, had been experiencing issues with one of its suppliers resulting in a shortage of vehicles. He said the company has had to bring in six more vehicles at its own expense.
Colin Morris, The Big Lemon’s general manager, said the company has taken a temporary measure to reintroduce diesel buses back into service. The Big Lemon runs the 16/16B Hangleton to Portslade, 47/47A Hangleton to East Saltdean and the 52/52A Patcham to Woodingdean. “We’ve heard from residents that the service provided by The Big Lemon and subsidised by the council has failed badly over recent months,” Cllr Muten said.
“These services are very important to the communities they serve, helping to link people with friends, family, workplaces as well as shops, GP surgeries, schools and hospitals, which is why we’ve now stepped in. “They’re a lifeline w.