Oxford Bus Company (OBC) has marked the 50-year career of one of its longest-serving employees.
Nigel Brown began his working life as an apprentice coach builder with the operator at the former Cowley Road depot just three days after finishing school.
The 66-year-old has since worked on every one of OBC’s buses and has continued to cycle to work every day just as he did at the very beginning.
His duties have included welding, repairing, laying vinyl floors and painting vehicles. Nowadays, his mixed role includes delivering vehicles to various Go-Ahead depots around the country.
After more 12,000 days for the operator, he recalls of his first shift: “I was so keen and just wanted to get on and work. I remember walking through the gates at the former Cowley Road depot and we had to find some overalls, then we got started repanelling a bus. And that was it – 50 years later I’m still here!”
He adds: “I never thought back then I’d still be here. A few times I’ve had the opportunity to move on, but you put what’s best for yourself and your family first and Oxford Bus Company has been a great place to work with a fantastic team of people.”
Retirement appears to be not yet on the horizon for Mr Brown, who says: “I had the option to retire in March, but retirement isn’t quite on my radar yet. If you’re a regular user of the county’s bus network, I can almost guarantee the vehicle you’re on I’ve helped repair at some point – not many people can say that!”
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, adds: “A huge congratulations to Nigel for completing 50 years at our Oxford depot, a remarkable achievement.
“Despite more than half-a-century in our team, Nigel remains as enthusiastic in his role as ever, which is testament to his professionalism and character. The role he and his team provides is essential in keeping the county’s roads moving so everyone can continue with their day-to-day roles.”
