10 Dec 2024

All aboard the Santa Express

The festive season is well and truly upon us and our members are getting into the spirit.

Whether it’s with Santa on the train or carols at the station, our passenger train networks encourage the use of public transport to get out and about. Especially if you’ve had a drink or two or you want to avoid busy road traffic and impossible parking!

From 16-20 December 2024, Santa and his elves will be spreading festive cheer across Queensland Rail’s South East Queensland (SEQ) network aboard the ‘Santa Express’. Each day, the Santa Express will run on a different rail line, with Santa making special stops at stations along the way.

This year, Santa will also be joining the Queensland Rail Community Education team to deliver special Christmas-themed rail safety presentations to several kindergarten centres across the network, highlighting the importance of making good choices while on or near trains.

To add to the festivities, Santa will also be joining the Salvation Army band each morning, who will be performing beloved Christmas carols at Central station, before embarking on his travels for the day.

Queensland Rail’s Head of SEQ, Neil Backer, shares the excitement: “We love sharing the festive cheer and we know the Santa Express, which has been running for more than a decade now, is much-loved tradition for many of our customers.”

In Melbourne, the metro stations have entered the spirit of festive decorations.

First Nations Christmas market

Melbourne Metro has drawn on its partnership with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce – an established charity which aims to promote Victorian Aboriginal businesses – by hosting a First Nations Christmas Market in the lobby at 700 Collins Street, where Metro’s head office located.

First Nations businesses set up stalls and offered a range of products including homewares, clothing, jewellery and chocolate – perfect for ticking gifts off the Christmas shopping list.

Carolling is planned at some of the metro stations, so keep an ear out if you’re out on the network in Melbourne.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone and stay safe!