Passengers on a Cork bus will protest on Friday to reinstate a much loved Christmas tradition. The move follows the introduction of regulations that prevent bus drivers dressing as Santa.

Anna Marie O’Shea from Togher said the atmosphere on the 214 bus was “electric” when its driver Michael Howick donned his Santa suit.

“For years and years, the bus driver Michael would dress up as Santa for two weeks in the run up to Christmas and everyone loved it, the kids thought it was the best thing in the world,” Ms O’Shea said.

The bus driver played Christmas music to which passengers sang along, turning the commute from the city to Cork University Hospital a much loved festive highlight.

The ban follows health and safety regulations introduced by Bus Éireann, which stipulates that drivers must dress in line with company uniform protocol.

Ms O’Shea branded the bus company’s ban as ‘Scrooge like’ and encouraged passengers and supporters to dress up in Christmas gear for today’s protest bus journey on the 214.

“It’s not right, so many people remember Santa driving the bus growing up, my own kids used to love it and it wasn’t just the children, it brought a smile to every passenger’s face,” she said.

Bus Éireann said all drivers must be recognisable as the official driver of the vehicle.

“There is a uniform protocol in place for all Bus Éireann bus drivers, and one of the key reasons for this is in the interests of health and safety.

“All bus drivers must be recognisable as the official driver of their vehicle, and be dressed appropriately to deal with any issues that may arise in the course of a journey. Therefore, the company cannot allow for any significant deviation from the standard uniform issued to all our drivers.”

Ms O’Shea said Mr Howick is a much loved bus driver who ‘looks out’ for his passengers, both on and off duty.

“He used to bring lollipops and give them out to passengers as they got on the bus,” she said.

The bus protest takes place on board the 214 from Cork University Hospital at 12.40pm Friday.