From Brazil to Oxford: city’s coach driver nominated for international award

A former nurse from Brazil has seen his remarkable customer service as a coach driver nominated for an international award.

Oxford Bus Company’s Oseas Moura Nunes, 46, regularly receives multiple commendations each month from the public for his helpfulness and professionalism.

Mr Nunes, who was born in the Brazilian state of Parana, moved to the UK in 2008 and worked at the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals.

A change of career saw him join Oxford Bus Company in September 2017, and since then he has become a renowned figure on the Airline service, transporting passengers between Oxford and Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

Mr Nunes is regularly praised for acts such as assisting with heavy luggage, accommodating payment issues, and helping elderly and disabled passengers.

Now, reflecting on his commitment and service, Mr Nunes has been nominated for the coach driver of the year award at the Go-Ahead Gold Awards.

He said: “You’re potentially facing a situation of stress because people are possibly missing their flights, and you have to help them and keep them calm.

“I like to use my customer service skills when it comes to my work, and I always try to do the right thing.

“I’m so pleased to be nominated and for me it’s an honour which gives me great personal satisfaction.

“You have to make a decision when you wake up – what sort of energy you will bring to the day, and you have to bring good energy.

“When you have that calm attitude, it helps the customer when people are stressed. My energy flows naturally because that’s the way I am. You work together with the customer, and every customer is special to me.

“Every day, I have that satisfaction and that it’s mission accomplished. Every day, I’m doing the right thing, and I like to challenge myself all the time.”

The qualified nurse added: “Nursing is so important to me because it made me appreciate life every day. You are dealing with a lot of pressure, and it makes you appreciate life.”

Mr Nunes is also grateful for the assistance he receives from his Oxford Bus Company colleagues.

“The support I have is amazing,” he said. “It’s very heart-warming and it’s an amazing company to work for.

“I thank everyone from the cleaners to the engineers. The coaches are always in excellent condition and that makes the job so much easier. Everyone makes a difference.

“Everyone is so nice to me, and I know I’m doing the right job. It’s a great relationship.”

Luke Marion, Managing Director at Oxford Bus Company, said: “Oseas is a shining example of how excellent customer service makes a difference.

“He always has a smile on his face, and his can-do attitude is an inspiration to all of us.

“Oseas thoroughly deserves the recognition he has received, and we wish him the best of luck at the awards.”