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Santa — a.k.a. LYNX bus driver Edwin Cartagena — made some riders’ day. Those who rode on his Saturday routes through Kissimmee got a free ride. PHOTO/DAVID CHIVERS
Some Lynx bus riders did a double take when they boarded the bus Saturday at the Intermodal Station in Kissimmee — their driver was none other than Santa Claus.
“You’re going to like this ride,” said a smiling rider getting off to a passenger about to board.
Riders on random Lynx bus routes are being treated to a specially decked out holiday bus, complete with Christmas paint job, and loaded inside with decorations and holiday music. And for those lucky enough to be taking it, the ride is free.
Kris Kringle was rehired for a 26th time as a Lynx bus driver for the holiday season, after a vigorous background check — then checking it twice. Kringle will be driving random routes throughout the Lynx system through Dec. 23. Last Saturday’s routes were through downtown Kissimmee.
“It’s pretty fun watching everybody’s surprise. They’re like, ‘Ohhh”” said Santa, occasionally also known as Edwin Cartagena, a bus driver for Lynx for the last 17 years. This is Cartagena’s second time as the Santa driver, although his first in over ten years. He hopes to be doing it for the next several years. Cartagena smiles broadly as he recounts passenger stories.
“There was one the first day who was just coming from the airport and must have had a terrible experience coming over. He saw me on the bus and his day was perfect ever since. He said, ‘You just made my day, I had a crappy day and look – thank you, thank you’.”
On Dec. 19, Lynx customers can celebrate with the agency’s Tis the Season Nutcracker Extravaganza at the Orlando LYNX Central Station terminal, which will be decked out with Nutcracker friends. Customers will enjoy a holiday celebration from 1:30-4:30 p.m. playing games, winning prizes and taking a photo with Santa.
“It’s fulfilling,” says Santa about the driving. “It’s nice to see other people happy to see you, and it makes you happy. It makes me happy to put a happy face on somebody else. “
The City and Kissimmee Main Street will also be holding a free Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch on Dec. 16 from 10 am to noon at the Chambers Park Community Center. For more information call 407-518-2599.
