Santa Claus Rides the Bus

I have been sharing photos of holiday-themed AC Transit Coaches (buses) on Facebook. In researching the tradition, I learned that Nickolas P. Alevizos played Santa Claus for over 40 years. A bit of history here.

Nick P. Alevizos -In front of a 10-seater Model-A Motor Bus, one of the original West Oakland Motor Buses – Updated AC Transit Photo

Santa Claus – St Nick

In December 1960, AC Transit’s new streamlined “Transit Liners” went into service on Christmas Day.

AC Transit Photoflickr

To introduce the new buses, a colorful parade called the “Travelcade of Progress” was held in downtown Oakland. The parade included all East Bay public transportation forms, including horse and cable cars. 

AC Transit Times December of 1960

Alevizos led the parade as Santa Claus.

Alevizos became a legend by dressing as Santa Claus and wheeling through the East Bay in an AC-Transit holiday-themed decorated bus.  

Oakland Tribune 1964

He started playing Santa Claus in 1933 for the Shrine, Richmond Kiwanis Club, and at the Division 3 Christmas parties.

Oakland Tribune 1975

He also played Abraham Lincoln, Christopher Columbus, and Uncle Sam on the appropriate year dates. However, beginning in 1933, Santa Claus remained his most extended running role.

Oakland’s Early ‘Jitney King’

Oakland Tribune May 23, 1971

A transportation pioneer in the East Bay, Nichols P. Alevizos, 1921 started a jitney bus service. The major Oakland Jitney route was 7th Street from Pine Street to Clay Street. There were 16 jitneys and 16 drivers on the run, with 15 in use each day and the 16th taking the day off.

West Oakland Motor Bus Lines 1928 – AC Transit flickr

Alevizos organized a jitney association in 1924 and became its first and only president. In 1928, the association bought eight Model A Ford buses and named them West Oakland Motor Bus Lines.

Oakland Tribune 1929

In 1935, Alevizos sold the company to the Key System. Part of the deal made by Alfred J. Lundberg, Key System president, was for Alevizos to have a lifetime supervisor job with the company.

Oakland Tribune 1934

He served as superintendent of the Key System and later AC Transits Richmond Division. His career spanned 56 years.

AC Transit Times December 1962

Retirement

Alevizos retired at the end of 1977 after a career that spanned over 56 years. He continued as Santa for two more years and passed away in April 2000.

History of the Holiday Bus

In 1963, AC Transit launched its first holiday-themed bus, the “Candy Cane Express,” painted white and decorated with big red bows.

AC Transit Times

In the following years, the Holiday Bus became more elaborate. The vehicles were custom-painted and decorated with handmade wooden ornaments. By the mid-1960s, a full-size sleigh was installed on the roof, where “Santa” would ride.

The 1966 “Santa Claus Express”AC Transit Flickr.AC Transit Times December 1966

There have been many versions of the Holiday Bus throughout the years. Decals and full custom vinyl wrap have replaced the custom paint jobs and bolted-on decorations.

Santa’s Toyland – 1969 – AC Transit Times
Santa’s Workshop 1970 – AC Transit Times
Santa’s Express – AC Transit –
Winter Wonderland – 1979 – AC Transit Times
Santa’s Toyland – 1973 – AC Transit Times

This year’s (2020) theme is “Holidays Always Keep Their Sparkle.”

2015 Holiday Bus – ACTransit
2020 Holiday Bus – AC Transit

More Info:

Themes

  • Seasons Greetings – 1965
  • Santa Claus Express – 1966
  • Candy Cane – 1967
  • Happy Holidays – 1968
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1969
  • Santa’s Workshop – 1970
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1971
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1973
  • Happy Holidays – 1974-1975
  • Santa’s Toyland – 1976
  • Santa’s Express – 1977
  • Candy Cane Coach – 1978
  • Winter Wonderland – 1979

The End

2 thoughts on “Santa Claus Rides the Bus

  1. I remember seeing the festooned buses at Christmastime downtown in the 60’s & 70’s. Holiday Greetings to you!

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