Actually, don't even suggest that the bus might be calling it a day some time in future.

The people will simply not stand for it! They shall revolt! They shall make themselves heard on social media and any other channel of communication available.

This is what happened around this time last year when it was hinted that the much-loved festive bus would be calling it a day for reasons that were a bit mysterious.

Anyhow, this year, Keolis Downer has got on the front foot.

'Tis the season to be merry, after all.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Newcastle Transport with the famous Christmas bus returning to the network on December 1," a press release that dropped in our inbox declared.

The statement added that it was "hard not to find your Christmas spirit with over 1000 baubles, 100 metres of garland, 1200 lights and carols playing inside the bus, making catching the bus extra special".

Extra special. Now that is what the people want to hear.

Legendary Christmas Bus driver Marg Parnell, of course, got a mention.

Marg has been the driving force behind the Christmas bus tradition, which has been part of the fabric of Newcastle for 22 years.

"I just love to see the smiles on everyone's faces when they step on board, whether they are young or old," Marg said.

"It's a happy time of the year."

Keolis Downer Hunter general manager Mark Dunlop said decorations had also been done for the light rail, bus and ferry.

"The whole team has been involved with the preparations this year, with all hands on deck to bring our special holiday vision to life," Mark said.

Trams have been renamed as Santa's reindeers. The images on tram windows are selfie gold, as you can see from this image of Herald journalist Helen Gregory.

Check out the Christmas Bus schedule at www.newcastletransport.info.

Newcastle has the slowest internet in the United States.

USA Today reported the story, stating: "Drivers cruise by on Interstate 80 - a busy artery that cuts across Northern California - never knowing they passed through the town of Newcastle".

The rural community, a half-hour drive from Sacramento, was home to more than 1200 people and several fruit orchards.

"Newcastle has retained its historical charm. The centuries-old landmarks, narrow country roads that weave through hillside homes, and vintage storefronts are from a different era," the story said.

"But that's not what's most remarkable about this California town, nestled amid bustling tech centres. Even though it is mere hours from Silicon Valley - Newcastle has the slowest internet in the country.

Some people from Newcastle in NSW can, no doubt, relate.