Customer Service Representative (METROLift/Micro Transit)

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is seeking a Customer Service Specialist to assist customers across METROLift and Micro Transit call centers. You will schedule, cancel and verify trips, provide information on fares and services, and support eligibility processes with a high standard of service.

The role requires strong communication, active listening, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Qualifications

• Exceptional customer service, active listening and strong communication skills.
• Ability to manage workloads, plan, organize and meet deadlines.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Cross-trains in call and service centers to schedule METROLift and Micro Transit trips accurately.
• Assist customers by phone, in person and via IVR/MACS systems.
• Provide schedules, fares, detours and program information to customers.
• Process next-day trip requests, cancellations and verifications in the scheduling system.
• Explain eligibility requirements and assist with eligibility appointments.

Skills

Customer service

Active listening

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Office

Bilingual (preferred)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Requisition Number: 8022

Pay Rate: PGR05

Description:

Basic Function

Assist customers in METROLift’s various call and service centers (Reservations, Customer Service, Feeder and Dispatch) and the Micro Transit call and service center. Responsible for providing excellent customer service, accurate information and assistance across all the department’s call centers and services. Schedules, cancels, verify customers’ trips, and process applicant’s eligibility paperwork in a discretionary and confidential manner. Participate in customer outreach events, assist customers in person and help METROLift and Micro Transit drivers as required. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Cross-trains in all call and service centers to provide accurate trip scheduling for METROLift and Micro Transit customers using computerized and app-based scheduling system.
• Assists customers and the public via phone lines, including TDD/TTY equipment for the hearing and impaired and face to face communication as required.
• Relays accurate information to the customers including schedules, METROLift programs, fares, detours, special events, changes/improvement to service and/or other information regarding current or new METRO programs.
• Processes next day customer trip requests in a timely and accurate manner using computerized and app-based scheduling system along with cancelling and verifying customers trip information as needed.
• Explain eligibility requirements for METROLift to customers and provides scheduling assistance for eligibility interview and appointments.
• Assists customers with METRO’s Micro Transit Services.
• Assists customers with Interactive Voice Recording (IVR) and METROLift Automated Calling Systems (MACS) -WEB/EZ WALLET information and electronic ticket and pass purchase.
• Engages in active listening with callers, confirming or clarifying information and diffusing upset customers as needed.
• Addresses service concerns with customers and sends any comments/complaints to the appropriate department for resolution.
• Processes customer requests, disseminates enrollment application and brochures, and inputs subscription requests and/or cancellations in system.
• Directly communicates with dispatchers, customer service representatives and supervisors to provide customers with timely and accurate information.
• Consistently and accurately reviews information affecting drivers’ schedules, contact operations with updates and documents findings into the computerized routing and app-based scheduling system.
• Adjust operator schedules as needed for late service or unusual scheduling to ensure on time service.
• Provides operators, street supervisors and maintenance personnel with information impacting street traffic or issues causing delays
• Addresses and documents issues with locating customers, operators needing directions, communication equipment problems, patron/driver situations, vehicle breakdowns, customer complaints/concerns, and any other unusual incidents into computerized system.
• Adheres to all policies, procedures and provisions of METRO and METROLift department.
• Meets and maintains customer service quality performance standards.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $37,200 - $46,900

Education Requirement

High school or GED required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years of related experience in a customer service field or call center environment.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Exceptional customer service, active listening, and verbal and written communication skills; emphasis on spelling skills, professional phone voice and phone etiquette. Must be able to manage workloads including planning, organizing, prioritizing, meeting deadlines and following through. Bilingual skills preferred. Should be proficient with Microsoft Office software applications.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.