A former nurse from Brazil who has become one of Oxford’s most praised coach drivers has been nominated for an international award recognising his exceptional customer service.
Oxford Bus Company driver Oseas Moura Nunes, 46, receives multiple public commendations each month for his professionalism, calm manner and willingness to go the extra mile for passengers.
Born in the Brazilian state of Parana, he moved to the UK in 2008 and previously worked at the John Radcliffe Hospital and the Churchill Hospital before embarking on a career change.
He joined Oxford Bus Company in September 2017 and has since become a familiar and much-admired figure on the Airline service, which carries passengers between Oxford and Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
Mr Nunes is frequently praised for helping with heavy luggage, supporting passengers experiencing payment difficulties and providing assistance to elderly and disabled travellers.
His blend of customer care and composed problem-solving has now earned him a nomination for the coach driver of the year award at the Go-Ahead Gold Awards, an international recognition scheme celebrating outstanding staff across the group.
“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,” he said. “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.”
He said staying calm helps passengers cope during stressful journeys. “My energy flows naturally because that’s the way I am. You work together with the customer, and every customer is special to me.”
A trained nurse, Mr Nunes said his years in healthcare remain an important influence on how he approaches life and work. “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.”
He also credits his colleagues at Oxford Bus Company for their support. “The support I have is amazing. 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.”
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.”
