Driver Solutions

The state of Virginia is losing money on, and began closing half their interstate rest stops as of July 21, 2009. However, they are considering commercializing rest areas – adding restaurants, gas stations, & other commercial stores – as a way to bring in revenue. Other states such as California, Oregon, & Washington are also working on building a network of commercialized rest stops. In these states, rest stops can be commercialized only if they were originally built before 1960.

Why is commercializing rest stops a good idea? There are many reasons…as well as a few downsides. However, I believe the pros considerably outweigh the cons. Here are the arguments as I understand them:

Pros

• Commercialization will make rest areas more convenient and safer for all drivers and passengers, as more people are coming and going. Also, it's easier for trucks to enter and exit highways. The purpose of their setup is for an easy access and for drivers to make quick stops.
• Many activities take place at the rest areas. Drivers stop to eat and rest. And drivers need to be aware of people who come in and out. Some of them can be thieves who reside in the city. They stop by and pretend to be one of the drivers and then rob other drivers’ personal belongings or loads. If rest stops are commercialized, more people will visit, making it less isolated, thus making it harder for thieves to steal or cause harm.
• Without commercialization, many rest stops will be closed because they cannot produce revenue, let alone pay for maintenance costs. Just one less quick stop to allow drivers to relax, use facilities, etc. Alternative…drive into the nearest town, get off the exit, fight traffic & stop lights, and fight like crazy to get back to the correct entrance ramp to continue on down the road.
• Commercialized rest stops will create employment, whether it's in the form of food workers or maintenance staff workers.
• As long as the state closely oversees budget, they can create a revenue stream by charging rent on companies who want stores at rest areas. Major franchises such as Subway, McDonald’s or KFC will be highly attracted to an idea of having their restaurants in these rest areas. The revenue will help the state, which also brings tax deductions to the citizens. Now who can argue with that?

Cons

• Though the idea of getting a new store open at commercialized rest areas may seem appealing for franchises, they can be against the idea at the same time. These franchisers may be afraid that opening a new franchise in the same area of their other stores in a nearby location (highway community) could potentially hurt their existing businesses.
• If a franchise becomes very popular at the rest stops, opponents believe it will cause traffic slowdowns. However, most people already drive by rest stops and exits that look full, so I don't foresee this actually being a problem.

Commercializing rest areas can be very beneficial to travelers and drivers who travel frequently. Overall, it should not create a major negative impact on highway community restaurants or hotels located in the same vicinity. If anything, it may create safer highways and increase revenues for states. Just my thoughts, though…let me know what you think!