AD FEATURE: Nominate the National Express coach heroes who made a real difference to your journey

National Express is launching a nationwide initiative to recognise the “everyday heroes” of coach travel, inviting passengers to nominate drivers and customer service staff who have made a real difference to their journeys. The Coach Heroes scheme aims to highlight acts of kindness, professionalism and support shown by frontline colleagues across the UK. Passengers with the strongest nominations will be entered into a draw to win four free return coach tickets, valid anywhere on the National Express network*. One of the many colleagues regularly praised by passengers is Keith Allen, who has spent 16 years driving the 444 service between Gloucester and London. For the 53‑year‑old, the role is about far more than punctuality and safe driving. Passengers describe him as a reassuring presence on difficult days. Ciara Parker, who travelled while 13 weeks pregnant, said: “He is lovely and helped me a lot when travelling back from London when I was very sick with morning sickness. He’s a lovely gentleman with a heart of gold.” Another passenger, Beth Thomas, recalled how Keith eased her anxiety during severe weather: “I got my times mixed up and the weather was so bad with no toilets nearby. “Waiting around with no access to toilets and needing access at all times would have been horrid, but Keith allowed me on board. He was so kind and jolly and made me less anxious travelling.” Keith’s commitment to his passengers runs deep. Last year, he had the number 444 tattooed on his forearm to mark 15 years driving for National Express and Bennetts Coaches. “I absolutely love it and every day is different,” he said. “Everyone’s got somewhere important to be, and sometimes a bit of patience or kindness can make all the difference. “I just treat people the way I’d want to be treated if I were travelling.” Keith is one of many dedicated National Express colleagues helping the UK’s largest coach operator run its high-frequency scheduled services to hundreds of destinations across the country, including major airports, festivals and events. National Express is also the official coach supplier for Wembley Stadium. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with thousands of services every day. But these coach heroes won’t be recognised without your help - nominations are now open. Passengers can nominate a coach hero by visiting nationalexpress.com/coachheroes and share their story along with the name and any details of the driver or customer service team member who made your journey special. Winning staff members will receive a special celebratory gift. Graham Price, lead customer officer at National Express, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-standing focus on customer experience. “For more than 50 years, National Express has been at the heart of coach travel in the UK. We’re incredibly proud of our teams who work hard to deliver the best experience and make a positive impact on our passengers every day. “From drivers to coach station customer service colleagues, they go above and beyond to support our passengers, and we’d love people to share their stories about the individuals who truly stand out and make coach travel memorable for all the right reasons.” Nominate your coach hero today at nationalexpress.com/coachheroes *Full terms and conditions can be found on the website.