The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently launched a survey to gain feedback from potential service plaza operators and other industry stakeholders as part of an effort to identify a “best-in-class” operating model for its 18 service plazas located along various highways statement.
[Above image by MassDOT]
The agency issued a Request for Information or RFI – open until May 24 – that seeks the best options for the long-term lease and operation of those 18 service plazas.
“Travelers in Massachusetts deserve the best, and that’s what we intend to deliver for them as we continue working to enhance our service plazas,” said Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassDOT secretary and CEO, in a statement.
“The service plazas along our highways do much more than enrich the experience of travelers,” she explained. “They are essential for commerce and other economic activities, and investing in them will help our state remain economically competitive for years to come. We are excited to receive feedback through this process which will lead to the creation of the future service plaza operating model.”
The RFI process takes multifaceted approach for engagement and will include host community meetings and a consumer experience survey.
The host community meetings, which will be publicized by MassDOT, will give community officials and residents a chance to learn more about the broader procurement process and provide feedback, the agency said.
Through the user-friendly consumer experience survey, service plaza customers and patrons will be asked to provide feedback on areas, some of which include property improvements, sustainability and electric vehicle charging, as well as community representation.
