The Big Lemon’s community fundraising campaign has successfully raised the £100,000 needed to apply for an electric bus grant.
The Brighton & Hove-based operator said it is already over halfway towards securing its second bus.
The money was raised by selling two-year bonds for £100 each to members of the local community at an interest rate of 6% per annum.
Tom Druitt, Managing Director of The Big Lemon, said: “We are all incredibly excited with the prospect of running zero-emissions electric buses in Brighton & Hove and humbled by the level of support we have received from the public.
“Last year was our best year yet and this year is already shaping up to be even better.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us with our fundraising efforts. The thought of running two electric buses in the city is very exciting indeed.
“We call on members of the public who might be interested to get in touch and help us improve air quality in Brighton & Hove.”
Annie Sparks, Environmental Health Manager at Brighton & Hove City Council, added: “It is great news that the Big Lemon has managed to raise funds to add electric buses to its fleet.
“We’ve been working closely with bus operators in the city to encourage them to invest in cleaner technology and they have responded positively, which is helping to improve air quality as well as attracting external funding.”
