New Haven is so determined to make its new Web 311 service request system succeed that it is recruiting volunteers to test it and rate it.

Describing them as "mystery shoppers," the city is seeking a total 25 to 50 volunteers from different neighborhoods to keep track of how the new system handles their requests over the course of a year.

The Web 311 system is designed to accept residents' requests for services, such as for snow plowing or leaf pick-up, either on line or by phone. Altogether the system contains pre-written forms for 156 different types of service.

It has averaged 75 to 80 requests per month since it was launched in December. The most common have been for new recycling bins and pothole repair, said city spokeswoman Jessica Mayorga.

The city wants its "mystery shoppers" to file real requests for service, then evaluate the city's response. The volunteers will receive training and commit to the program for a year.