MCDOT Concierge Class Snow Plow Service Announced Amid Winter Storm Frustrations
Rockville, MD – In response to constructive resident feedback following this week's historic winter storm, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has unveiled a groundbreaking premium service tier for snow removal operations. Dubbed the "Concierge Class Snow Plow Service," the program aims to address common grievances, including plow-deposited snow berms at driveway entrances, delayed clearing, and overall dissatisfaction with standard municipal efforts.
For an additional annual fee of $1,200 incorporated into real estate taxes, eligible Montgomery County homeowners can upgrade to this elite package, which promises a personalized, white-glove approach to winter weather management. "We've heard the concerns loud and clear," said MCDOT spokesperson Barney Gumble in a statement. "Residents have expressed frustration over the challenges of post-storm cleanup, particularly after anxiously awaiting plow arrivals and then being left with a blockade of snow and ice once they do. This new offering ensures that no detail is overlooked, transforming an often-exasperating public service into an effortless experience tailored to individual needs."
Under the Concierge Class program, participating households will receive priority routing for snow plows equipped with advanced, low-impact blades designed to minimize "plow tail", the stubborn piles of snow and ice left blocking driveways after standard passes. Once the street is cleared, a dedicated team of certified snow extraction technicians meticulously removes any residual detritus, including slush, ice blocks, and even stray twigs dislodged during the storm.
Concierge Class service doesn't stop at the curb. Technicians will proceed to shovel the entire driveway, leaving a salted, ice-free surface suitable for immediate use. Following that, they'll sweep porches and walkways to prevent any slip hazards, applying eco-friendly de-icing agents as needed.
To cap off the visit, the team will prepare a steaming mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows or peppermint and deliver it directly to the resident's door. The service includes a bedtime tuck-in option, complete with a soothing lullaby sung by a trained MCDOT vocalist.
Enrollment for the Concierge Class begins immediately via the MCDOT website, with the $1,200 fee prorated for the current fiscal year. "It's about choice," Gumble emphasized. "For those who find basic plowing insufficient, we're here to exceed expectations."
Critics have questioned the Concierge Class program's overall equity and challenged its inaccessibility to renters as well as homeowners struggling to pay ever rising utility costs and living expenses. In response, MCDOT says it is also offering free "Express Class" snow removal for renters and for homeowners earning greater or less than 100% of the county’s median income. Express Class customers will have their streets plowed sufficiently for vehicle travel within 24-72 hours after the conclusion of a storm, are responsible for their own driveways and sidewalks, and do not receive hot cocoa.
