Minister visits city’s yellow eco buses to launch new travel initiative

The Mid Norfolk MP, George Freeman, paid a visit to The Big Lemon bus company to launch a new travel initiative.

In an attempt to modernise and decarbonise transport, the MP is launching the ‘Clean Start to 2020 Go Ultra Low’ initiative.

Buses in the big lemon fleet have electric charging systems and solar roofs and the MP took a trip on one of the electric buses to see it in action.

“The Big Lemon’s innovative approach to the traditional bus market is inspiring,” Mr Freeman said.

“From a solar powered depot, funded on a shoestring by community activists in Brighton, to their electric fleet, sustainability and community is at the heart of everything they do.

“The bus sector needs innovative new entrants like this. That’s why we are supporting innovation through a £220 million funding boost for bus services across the country to drive growth across this vital sector.”

Staff from across the company met with Mr Freeman including founder and CEO Tom Druitt, chairman Ron Tanner, operational staff, and members of the driving and office teams.

The MP was keen to learn about The Big Lemon’s innovative business model and how social enterprises and local communities can be supported to run similar low-carbon bus services across the country.

Founder and CEO Tom Druitt said: “It was a real pleasure to show the Minister around our buses and depot, and introduce him to our team.

“It was a great boost for the team to see a government minister visit us and show such an interest in what we’re doing.

“The highlight for me was discussing with the Minister how the Government can create the right environment for innovative, community-based and low-carbon transport projects to thrive.”