What is the role of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)?

The role of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) encompasses overseeing the state's transportation infrastructure and ensuring the safety of travel across Massachusetts. This responsibility includes maintaining and improving roadways, bridges, and public transit systems, which are crucial for facilitating efficient movement for both people and goods.

By focusing on the overall framework of transportation, MassDOT plays a vital part in planning and implementing projects that enhance mobility, promote safety, and improve the quality of the transportation network. This also involves collaboration with municipalities, stakeholders, and agencies to ensure cohesive transportation strategies that benefit all users of the transportation system. The commitment to safe travel means that MassDOT creates regulations and safety standards aimed at minimizing accidents and promoting effective traffic management.

The other options, while related to transportation, do not encapsulate the broad scope of MassDOT's mission and functions. Issuing driver's licenses and permits, managing traffic regulations and enforcement, and encouraging public transportation use are specific activities that may fall under broader programs but do not represent the comprehensive role of the department as a whole.