Bus drivers boost service skills

By Kim Saulse
15 October 2009

Metrobus drivers are being offered customer service training sessions as part of Public Transport Month, which is held nationwide each October.

The municipal-owned entity is holding training for all its bus operators, to enhance customer service etiquette and to discuss customer service related issues, reports Joburg.org.

Communication skills, interpersonal skills, service concepts, risk management, decision-making and conflict management, among others, are covered in the sessions.

Working on a train the trainer basis, the focus is on empowering selected staff members, who will continue training within the organisation.

A workshop was held at Milpark yesterday and other workshops are taking place at Village Main today and at Roodepoort Depot today.

The aim of these sessions is to highlight the importance of passengers as customers, to improve customer service, to offer excellent service in the public transport sector, and to address issues relating to passenger-driver relations.

It also focuses on passengers' needs, such as reliability; cleanliness; safety and security; respect, dignity and royal treatment and value for money.