AN OPEN top sightseeing bus in Stratford has been named in honour of its most loyal passengers.
Grandparents Graham and Hazel Higgs and their severely autistic 18 year-old grandson Daniel have made the journey from their Birmingham home to Stratford every school half term and summer holiday for the past 12 years to do the same tour in all weathers.
They make the trip on average six times a year and they got a great surprise on their most recent visit.
Graham’s cousin Paul Stanton had approached Stagecoach Midlands to ask if something could be done to mark the unique achievement.
Bosses agreed and when they arrived the City sightseeing bus waiting for them had been sign written with “Daniel Higgs” on the front of the bus and above the door.
Richard Hands, operations manager at the Stratford depot, met them on the day and presented them with a free ticket for the tour and a voucher for their next visit.
Richard said: “Daniel was very excited and eager to get to his favourite seat upstairs at the back of the bus. It was his first tour of the year.”
When they arrived back Daniel – who appreciates repetitive activities – was very keen to get off for his usual visit to McDonald’s.
A delighted Graham said: “It was a complete surprise to us to find the bus has been named after Daniel.
“He was very pleased. It is a fantastic thing that Stagecoach has done. Daniel loves looking at buses and in particular riding on an open top bus.”
