Have an opinion about IDOT's rest areas? Rate it!

Have an opinion about IDOT's rest areas? Rate it!

Ever visit an Illinois rest area and enjoyed your experience? Wanted to leave a comment or compliment? It's just a phone QR code scan, call or text message away.

A new system called Opiniator allows visitors to give real-time feedback that will reach real people. Vistors can find signs for Opiniator posted outside and inside the building - even the restrooms - of all rest areas. The signs, which are specific to each rest area, offer instructions to scan a QR code, send a text or visit a secure website to take the survey.

Roadside Maintenance Manager Scott Hall said the program started this year to great results.

"We have had a great response and have been able to identify problems much quicker than the email sent through our website," Hall said.

The survey asks visitors to rate facilities based on:

• Lobby and restroom cleanliness
• Restroom maintenance
• Conditions of the grounds
• Vending machines
• Attendants
• Rest area safety

"Feedback is instantaneous and if the visitor scores below average, the roadside manager gets an email immediately," he said. "This way if there is a cleanliness issue it can be addressed right away. Also, if there is a response below average, the roadside manager is required to respond to the comment in the system so we can track how long it takes to correct issues."

Hall leaves managing the system to roadside managers in each of the nine IDOT districts, though he can check surveys throughout the state to "make sure there's nothing too out of the ordinary." Feedback from visitors at several locations has been positive. Hall already is planning on making this yearlong pilot permanent.

"It has been a great tool for the roadside managers," Hall said. "It gives them real-time feedback, so problems get corrected faster, ultimately giving us better visitor experiences."

While there's an entry on the survey for vending machines, they are owned and operated by the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, but IDOT has received comments about them. Hall plans to include a survey section in the future specific to vending machines.