A brand new competitor has pulled in to Brisbane City Council’s annual Christmas Bus Decorating contest as the city judged the creative efforts of its public buses for the 28th year.
For the first time, the fully-electric Brisbane Metro fleet entered the competition.
“Our buses and Metro have been transformed into tinsel-laden and sparkling sleighs that will sprinkle Christmas cheer across the city and add a dash of festive spirit this holiday season,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“Some of the themes on display this year included ‘A Family Christmas’ and ‘Classic Christmas’, while the Brisbane Metro vehicle was decked out in a ‘North Pole’ theme.
“While the Carina Depot entered the competition as reigning champion after breaking Willawong’s three-year streak last year, this year’s fierce competition saw a new winner.
“While I think everyone delivered winner decorations, Eagle Farm took out the top prize with their theme Christmas Sweet and Treat Wonderland (main photo). Second place went to Garden City that has a gingerbread house theme and Willawong took our third place for their Lego themed bus.”
This year’s competition featured entries from the Brisbane Metro team and Council’s seven bus depots at Willawong, Sherwood, Garden City, Carina, Eagle Farm, Toowong, and Virginia.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said the competition has been running since 1994 and demonstrates Brisbane’s friendly and cheerful nature.
“Residents and visitors should keep an eye peeled for the festive sleighs, with the Christmas-themed transport set to continue in service until the end of December,” he said.
“With our public transport services running regularly it will be easy to get around the city to visit family and friends.
“There will also be extra bus services on 22 and 23 December to the CBD and suburban shopping precincts and seniors can continue to travel for free during off-peak on weekdays (including weekday public holidays) on Council buses and ferries, and all weekend on buses.
“These extra trips to service the CBD and Indooroopilly, Garden City, Carindale, and Chermside shopping centres will make it even easier for residents to sneak in that last-minute shopping trip.”