Casper the cat commuter, shown here with one of the First bus drivers, has died

Casper the commuter cat has become a local legend in his hometown of Plymouth after hitting the headlines for his penchant for bus travel. However the sad news was announced last week by Casper’s owner, who put a notice up at his bus stop to inform his fellow commuters that he had sadly been the victim of a hit and run incident, whilst on his way to catch the bus.

The fluffy black and white cat had made a number of friends during his travelling days. The 12-year-old cat would queue up at the bus stop everyday with his fellow passengers to board the number 3 First Devon and Cornwall bus service. However his owner hadn’t realised where her cat kept disappearing every day, until she read about it in her local paper.

Once safely onboard, the moggie would often find himself a comfy seat and curl up for a quick cat-nap. Casper, who was named after the cartoon character Casper the friendly ghost who had a habit of wandering off, was a favourite with all the bus drivers. They would look out for their feline passenger whenever he hopped onboard and would always make sure he got off at his stop once he’d completed his circuit of the town; and they never minded that he didn’t pay.

A representative from First Devon and Cornwall said the company was “devastated” to hear about Casper’s death. The bus company have vowed to pay tribute to their only cat commuter by displaying a picture of him on one of their vehicles.