ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Lynx bus riders this holiday season may be in for a surprise because one of Santa's helpers is getting behind the wheel.

Driver Patrick Shaver, who dresses up as one of Santa's helpers, says he is glad he can team up with Lynx and provide free rides to people in Central Florida.

What You Need To Know

  • A Lynx driver dressed like Santa is taking the wheel of buses

  • Driver Patrick Shaver provides free rides on buses he drives

  • The program gives customers a break on fares and brighten spirits

  • Other Lynx drivers like it, too, because it gives them a break from their routes

It’s all about giving passengers a break on their fare and keeping them in the holiday spirit, Shaver says.

“People are very happy to ride with me,” Shaver says. “It’s an awesome feeling — and for me, too. I enjoy it; they enjoy it.”

Shaver has been a Lynx driver for 24-1/2 years, and this marks his fifth as one of Santa's helpers, taking over different Lynx routes throughout December, Shaver says.

Lynx drivers love the experience, too, because they get to take a break on their routes as he takes the wheel

One of his stops was along the 405 route going through Apopka, and passenger Eric Carter of Orlando, who rides Lynx often, was not used to getting a free ride from Santa’s helper.

“Santa driving a bus…I mean, I did not believe it, but I saw it with my own two eyes,” Carter says.

Shaver says the drivers he pulls next to while driving feel the same way.

“I don't believe it,” he says, jokingly. “Santa driving the bus.”

People absolutely love the holiday surprise, and it puts a big smile on their faces during the holiday season, Carter says.

“(It’s) positive for the community,” Carter says, “I feel like he's doing a good job. He is putting me in the spirit.”

That’s the goal, Shaver says.

“The kids that ride the bus are beside themselves,” Shavers says.

It is his way of wishing everyone the best in this holiday season — and for the new year.

“Peace on Earth,” Shavers says. “God bless everybody.”