FOR seven years mourners visiting Woronora Cemetery have found a friendly and familiar face in Allan Barnes.
Mr Barnes drives the free shuttle bus run by the cemetery every Wednesday from 9am to 2pm between Sutherland railway station and the cemetery.
It is a regular continuous service, picking up people from Bay B in East Parade, opposite the Royal Hotel, and dropping them at various spots in the cemetery.
"There's no strict timetable," he said. "I just let people out at their regular place.
"I know the graves they are visiting. They tell me how long they want to stay and I make sure I'm back in time.
"Many people come from Hurstville, Rockdale and Oatley.
"I've made a few friends from the regulars. If they are not there on a Wednesday I worry what has happened to them.
"Some of my customers can no longer walk. They still look forward to visiting but they don't have any family who can bring them.
"We want to remind people that we are still here and we will look after them."
Mr Barnes has just taken delivery of a new 24-seater airconditioned bus to make the trip more comfortable.
The Woronora cemetery shuttle service will run on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, which fall on a Wednesday this year.
Has Allan Barnes helped you get to and from the cemetery?