In Sydney, the holiday season got a bit more cheerful with the selection of the best decorated Christmas bus, an event organized by Transport for NSW in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospital. The competition, held at the Brookvale depot, featured festively decorated buses from each Greater Sydney bus operator, showcasing their creativity and holiday spirit.
The unique aspect of this year’s competition was its judge – an eight-year-old boy named John, dubbed as Santa’s Little Helper. John, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill, had the honor of choosing the winning bus. His choice? The double decker from CDC Hills Bus. John’s fascination with the double decker was evident in his excitement. “I really liked the double decker bus because I had never been on one before. They had lots of decorations like tinsel and stickers,” he said. His role as a judge was a delightful experience, as he added, “It was really fun to pick the winner and I hope people feel happy like at Christmas time when they go on one of the buses. Thank you to everybody for making their buses look dressed up and Merry Christmas.”
Marjorie O’Neill, appreciating the efforts of all participants, said, “We all know the lead-up to Christmas can be such a busy time and we appreciate each and every bus driver and depot team member for going that extra mile to put a smile on every passenger’s face this season. The wonderfully creative decorations were of such a high standard that John had a tough time deciding the winner but, in the end, it was the decked out double decker which won John over, so thanks John.”
The event was also acknowledged by Michael Regan MP, Member for Wakehurst, who expressed his pleasure at hosting the bus decoration judging in Brookvale. “We are so pleased to host the bus decoration judging here in Brookvale on the Northern Beaches. As commuters get through the last days to the Christmas holidays, it’s excellent to see these baubled buses spreading Christmas cheer across the network. Well done to everyone involved in the decorating effort. You guys rock!” he commented.
Adding to the festive spirit, Acting Secretary Howard Collins reminded bus passengers that they could enjoy the decorated buses until the new year. “Remember, if you’re a bus passenger and would like to ride a decorated bus, please check your trip planner app – a Christmas tree icon on the timetable identifies each Christmas bus. Bus passengers have until the new year to catch a Christmas bus – decorations will be taken down in January,” he stated.
The competition not only celebrated the festive season but also highlighted the community’s involvement and joy. It was a heartwarming display of creativity and holiday cheer, bringing smiles to the faces of Sydney residents and visitors alike.
