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Christmas cheer is back on Western Sydney streets as Busways’ much-loved Christmas buses return, bringing lights, tinsel and festive magic to daily commutes.
Now a familiar December tradition, the brightly decorated buses are once again delighting passengers, with some even spotting Santa’s ride by the small Christmas tree symbol appearing on transport apps.
Busways Area Manager Western Sydney, Peter Barnett, said the annual initiative is a highlight for staff and the community alike.
“This is one of our favourite Busways traditions,” Mr Barnett said. “Our teams love decorating and driving these buses, and it’s great to see people light up when one rolls in.”
The festive fleet marks the close of another busy year for Busways, which carries more than 47 million passengers annually across its network.
Adding extra sparkle this year, Busways’ Penrith Depot has claimed top honours at Transport for NSW’s 2025 Christmas Bus Judging competition. Its entry, dubbed the Polar Express, was crowned Sydney’s Best Christmas Bus, standing out among 20 decorated buses from across Greater Sydney.
The winning design was created by Jimmy Chen, Georgette Golding and the Penrith depot team.
Beyond spreading cheer, the Christmas buses are also supporting a good cause, raising funds for the Westmead Children’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Donations can be made onboard or online via QR codes, with Busways matching every contribution dollar for dollar.
From drivers donning Santa hats to families snapping photos at bus stops, the Christmas buses have become a seasonal highlight for many locals.
“What started as a fun idea among our team has grown into a real community tradition,” Mr Barnett said.
Busways has wished passengers a safe, merry and joyful festive season and encourages residents to keep an eye out for a sparkling bus this December, offering not just a ride, but a little Christmas magic. Busways service Richmond and Windsor so keep an eye out for their holiday cheer.
