What you need to know about Boston’s 311 service

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Boston’s 311 service is free for anyone to use. | Photo via @thomas_d_stringer

If a sidewalk has you trippin’ or if there’s a problematic pothole on your commutethe good news is there’s an app for that.

Boston 311 provides residents with access to various city services + helpful information 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you dial 3-1-1 or 617-635-4500, you’ll be connected to a trained service representative who will answer questions in regards to City of Boston departments + non-emergency services. You can also use the 311 number to make reports.

What can you report?

  • Potholes
  • Graffiti
  • Street light outages
  • Broken traffic lights
  • Litter
  • Sidewalk repair
  • Power outages
  • Tree removal or trimmings

Get updates on the go with the free mobile app, which you can download from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store .

What options will you see once you’ve downloaded the app?

  • Make a new request
  • Check recent reports throughout the city
  • View trash alerts
  • View requests you’ve made

As of Oct. 4, 2022, the app is now available in 11 languages. Another update? Bostonians can now see the status of city services + can submit multiple photos as part of a service request.

Don’t want to call the information line or use the mobile app? No problem. There’s an option to visit City Hall and speak to the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Service in-person. The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

View all the online services here .

Stay connected to Boston’s 311

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Jess is based in Boston, MA and when she isn’t creating content, you’ll find her at one of the local breweries, walking her dogs on the Esplanade, or attending a concert. After graduating from the University of Florida, she moved to Columbia, SC where she worked at various nonprofit organizations + was a City Editor for COLAtoday before relocating to launch BOStoday in 2021.
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