Coast Mountain bus driver Kirk Rockwell back at the wheel this week after being initially told he could not dress as Santa this year. He has been dressing as Santa for 16 years, much to the delight of passengers
Photo Credit: CBC

Ho Ho Ho is back in the Vancouver bus service

A public transit bus driver in the Vancouver area, on Canada’s west coast, is happy again, as are his passengers.

Kirk Rockwell began dressing up as Santa Claus in December some 16 years ago. He says his passengers love it and he gets requests to have photos taken with him, dozens of times a day.

Passengers have also given him Christmas related stuffed toys.

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Kirk Rockwell happy at the support he received from the public, forcing the bus company to back down © CBC

This year, Rockwell went to his supervisors once again for permission which was granted. Then, a day later he was ordered to take off the suit.

The Coast Mountain Bus Company, controlled by TransLink the public transit service, said there was a strict uniform policy put into effect last year and the Santa stuff was out.

TransLink spokesman Derek Zabel said “there are a lot of good reasons why we want them to wear their uniform” He said drivers must be identifiable in case of an emergency.

Rockwell said he would wear the Santa suit regardless. He said he was nervous going to work, not knowing what to expect, but when his story became public, he received a great deal of support from passengers, the general public, and his union.

Indeed, hundreds of people phoned or emailed Coast Mountain dismayed by its lack of Christmas spirit, Many suggested the bus company was a corporate “Grinch”.

Then when his shift ended,he was informed the bus company had backed down and he did have permission to decorate the bus and wear the Santa outfit.

“There was overwhelming customer support at what the driver was doing. We really underestimated the public’s support for his holiday spirit,” said Stan Sierpina, Coast Mountain’s vice-president of operations.

Nathan Woods, president of the union representing the bus drivers said, “it looks like Santa won.”

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