Bus driver Mike Squibb on his decorated Wight Bus, with, left, Cllr Edward Giles and other passengers from Folly Lane, Whippingham. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
BUS passengers have been treated to a festive transport of delight by drivers’ decorations.
Several of the IW Council’s Wight Bus fleet have been decorated by drivers in their own time, including those that serve Medina House and St George’s schools for children with special educational needs.
Decoration has been spearheaded by long-serving driver Mike Squibb.
His efforts on the number 29 Ryde-Newport Wight Bus were highlighted by pleased passengers.
One, David Woodward, from Wootton, said: "Mike has gone to such a lot of trouble to decorate the bus, making it really full of Christmas cheer. When we travel everyone is so happy and cheerful — it is a joy to ride with them.
"Mike told me that he went into the bus depot on a Sunday morning, in his own time and at his own expense every year, to do this.
"It brings such enjoyment to all who travel on that bus, young and old, such a wonderful spirit for someone to have. This was not for any self gain but just to brighten up the lives of people travelling on the bus. Where else but the IW would you find such a thing? "
Mike said: "It certainly brings a smile to people’s faces, which is why I love to do it. I’ve always done it because the schoolchildren love it — but the reaction from my more senior passengers at Wootton and Whippingham is just as good — I think that they’re just a bunch of kids at heart. The festive season brings that out in all of us."
IW Council cabinet member for environment and transport Cllr Edward Giles said: "I know that our Wight Bus drivers pride themselves on their customer service, so it is no surprise that they have entered into the Christmas spirit by spending their own time decorating their buses for the benefit of their passengers."