Transit Call Centers: A Front Line in Customer Service August 7, 2013

Training Outline General goals of a call center Regulatory requirements Sensitivity Tips Helpful Strategies Technology’s Role 2

Goals of a Call Center

Common Questions I need to book a ride Where’s my ride? Where’s the bus? Where’s the stop? How do I get there? 4

Timely Information Hours of availability Ease of system navigation Speed of answer 5

Accurate Information Correct information Real-time information Clear understanding of system 6

Positive Public Perception Promotes ease of use Display positive interactions Customer seen as important Fills a role that websites cannot 7

Regulatory Requirements

Hold Times Excessive hold times in Paratransit operations may form a “capacity constraint” Agencies should work toward “minimal hold times” per FTA findings 9

Measuring Hold Times Differentiate by call types –“Where’s my ride?” vs. “What bus do I take?” Maximum Allowable Hold Time –A recommendation: 95% in 3 minutes, 99% in 5. Hourly Average –Take averages for each hour of operation (9 – 10 AM, 10 – 11 AM) –A recommendation: 95% < 1 minute 99% < 2 Minutes –Smaller increments of time = More accurate measure 10

“Where’s my Ride?” A vital service for riders Requires quick response Requires accuracy FTA focus on these calls 11

Discussion Question

The Busy Phones 13 “Call me back later. I’m too busy!”

Sensitivity Tips

Disability-Specific Customer Issues Disability affects communication Being prepared to help any caller is key Sensitivity is imporant Technology is also useful 15

People Who Are Deaf Telephone Relay Service –Speak as if speaking directly to the person –Close statements with “go ahead” –Wait for replies Video Relay Service Chat-type systems –Many companies employing these for the general public TDD/TTY 16

People with Impaired Speech Patience is key Don’t feign understanding Repeat, ask for verification 17

People with Cognitive Disabilities Variety of Conditions –TBI –Other Neurological Issues –Dementia/Aging –MS 18

More on People with Cognitive Disabilities Speak in clear sentences Adapt complexity of speech only in response to theirs – No “baby talk” Break down steps into smaller pieces Phrase questions in a neutral way Respect a person’s independence 19

Reducing Tension in Conversations A fact: Some people call when they are upset Another fact: Good customer service can help resolve tension Some tips: Remain calm Lower your voice, and the speed of your speech Repeat a key phrase to demonstrate understanding 20

A Word on Abusive Callers You don’t have to accept abuse Set limits –“If you stop shouting, I’ll stay on and try to help you” Remain calm 21

Helpful Strategies

More on “Where’s My Ride” calls Understand the tense nature of the situation –Strike an empathetic tone Providing more information helps customer feel empowered –Where is the vehicle? –How many more stops? –Vehicle numbers, identifiers Confirm passenger location 23

Secondary Holds Primarily in “Where’s my Ride” situations Check back with caller regularly Avoid in reservation calls How to track –Random checks of call recordings –Secret Shopper Use hold music or information audio 24

Workload Management Keep maximum load for once call taker to 3 lines Avoid Voic Avoid Limits on Number of Trip Requests –Not as efficient as it seems 25

Partner Cooperation Close connection between call-takers and service providers Staff co-positioning 26

Call Abandonment Call Abandonment can be a sign of trouble Play music or information while on hold Don’t drop calls at closing time 27

Technology’s Role

Automatic Call Distributors Ability to gather data –Measure maximum hold times –Backup call takers, routing as needed –Ability to display a “Scoreboard” 29

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems Promotes accurate responses Can extent hours of operation Reduces workload on call takers –Track number of calls that go through IVR 30

Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) Systems Promotes accurate responses Extends hours of operation Help relieve many “Where’s my Ride” calls Call-out systems can help ensure buses meet passengers Web-bases systems Text message alerts 31

Discussion Question 32

Difficult Communication 33

Questions? 34

Easter Seals Project ACTION 1425 K Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC (800)