Stagecoach to create 80 jobs with new call centre

Stagecoach has announced plans to create 80 jobs with a new customer contact centre in Perth.

The one-stop phone and digital contact point for customers will be based at the bus operator’s existing headquarters in the city and is planned to open in spring 2022.

The company said the new multi-skilled team will initially operate on an “improved seven-day-a-week service” before extending opening hours “within the year”.

Stagecoach said the new centre would field queries on timetables and services, help with smartcards and lost property, and sell tickets.

A search is now under way for a new lead to manage the centre, with customer advisor roles expected to be advertised in the autumn.

Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “At a time when many parts of our economy have been hit hard by the pandemic, we are delighted to be able to open this new facility and create new employment opportunities.

“We were founded in Perth four decades ago and are proud to have retained our headquarters in the city ever since.

“Perth gives us access to high-quality, skilled employees and we hope the new customer contact centre will provide a way into the world of work for individuals from a range of backgrounds, including young people.

“There is a huge opportunity to attract people to more sustainable public transport in the years ahead as national governments look to move to net-zero. Delivering the best experience to every single customer is central to helping people make the switch away from cars to public transport.

“The central contact point will allow us to provide extended opening hours so we’re there to support our customers when and how they need us.”

Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle said the move was a “tremendous vote of confidence” in the region and its workforce.

He added: “Stagecoach has a long history in Perth and it is heartening to see its commitment to the city remains as strong as ever.

“Not only will these 80 jobs create opportunities for our people and help us recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, they will also support the move towards sustainable travel across the UK.”