IF YOU happen to hop on a Sydney bus this Christmas, make sure you look for the one decked out in tinsel.Festooned literally from top to bottom with decorations, the bus has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with plenty of glitter, stickers, stuffed toys, Christmas trees and Santa figurines.

David Thomas will don the red deputy Santa suit behind the wheel to spread Christmas cheer to everyday commuters.

‘‘The depot allows us to do it every year and I decided to put my hand up,’’ Mr Thomas said.

‘‘It beats driving a normal bus and it makes everyone smile when they come on — even the ones who hate Christmas.’’

The decorations remain intact for the duration of Christmas even when Mr Thomas is not allocated to it on a shift.

When he is back to driving the standard blue Sydney bus, Mr Thomas often still puts on a Santa hat to keep up the spirit.

‘‘Diane Taylor has been decorating these buses for 10 years,’’ Mr Thomas said.

‘‘I helped, and put on some of my own touches, but she did most of the work.’’

Kingsgrove bus depot manager Bruno Sinatambor said decorating the vehicles was a great idea and was completely up to the bus drivers.

‘‘David came up with the idea and we supplied the goods,’’ Mr Sinatambor said.

‘‘He sits in the suit for five hours at a time and also plays a few Christmas tunes.’’

Even though there are a few ‘‘bar humbugs’’ who liked to tear down some of the tinsel, Mr Thomas said he remained positive, and handed out candy canes to all the children and people who appreciated the effort.

‘‘This bus goes on all different routes, so call up to find out where it will be.

‘‘But don’t expect to be in any rush when you hop on because people tend to take photos, which slows us down.’’

To find out where the Christmas bus will be, call 131 500.

Have you caught the bus or seen any other great Christmas lights or decorations in southern Sydney? Click on the comment link below to share it with other readers.