Oregon considering privatizing rest areas
The state of Oregon is considering turning to the private sector to run its highway rest areas. Upkeep of its 46 current ones costs about $3.5 million a year for cleaning and maintenance, plus another million for upgrades.
Other states are tossing around the same idea.
If the state were to turn to a private company to run its rest areas, they could more closely resemble those found in the East, or througout Europe, where many conveniences are available including tourist information, restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations.
The state’s present day rest areas are commercial free except for a few vending machines, and offer only restrooms, picnic facilities and a break from the road.
Other states are tossing around the same idea.
If the state were to turn to a private company to run its rest areas, they could more closely resemble those found in the East, or througout Europe, where many conveniences are available including tourist information, restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations.
The state’s present day rest areas are commercial free except for a few vending machines, and offer only restrooms, picnic facilities and a break from the road.
posted by Chuck Woodbury at
4/14/2007 09:06:00 PM
9 Comments:
We're against the idea!!!! We live in Oregon and have seen the decline in the upkeep and management of campgrounds that have been contracted out. The rest area is supposed to be just that - a REST area. If we want stores, restaurants or whatever, we can stop at a truck stop. There's plenty of them in Oregon. Thank you for the heads up -- we'll be writing our politicians in Salem!
By
Anonymous, at 7:24 AM, April 21, 2007
I hate the commercial private rest areas and have visited them in the east of our country and in Europe. In Europe they are full of pick pockets with little control. All I want in a rest area is a break from driving and a place to walk my dogs, and, yes I clean up after them.
By
Anonymous, at 7:44 AM, April 21, 2007
We recently moved to Oregon from Arizona and previous to that, California. Keep Oregon rest areas as they are. They are some of the finest in the US and if they aren't broke--DON'T FIX EM!!!!
By
The 2 J's, at 1:38 PM, April 21, 2007
Oregon will suffer a grate loss in travel income. One of the reasons I go there is because of there non commercial Parks and road side rests. It is one of the reasons I never go to the East. D/M
By
Anonymous, at 10:03 PM, April 21, 2007
I think it is a bad idea to contract out the rest areas. Where is the revenue going to come from to support the commercialization of the rest areas. I doubt the income from the commercial enterprise will support it. I'll bet the state will be on the hook for loss of revenue. Bad idea Oregon, bad.
By
Anonymous, at 10:53 AM, April 22, 2007
NO! to privately owned Rest Areas.
By
Anonymous, at 1:01 PM, April 22, 2007
This is a very bad idea. The so-called "rest areas" in New Jersey and Maryland are as stressful as the driving experience in those states. Why are politicians so against the will of the people who put them in office?
By
Anonymous, at 2:19 PM, April 22, 2007
On I95 between Baltimore and New Jersay there are several "rest stops" with fast foods, overpriced fuel etc. They are not restful nor very appealing. Dr Who in the Tardis
By
Anonymous, at 11:21 AM, April 23, 2007
Oregon has the best rest stops anywhere in the lower 48!! Don't change them. I agree that a rest stop should be just that - not a commercial enterprise. Oregon voters pay attention and vote against this idea if they give you the chance.
By
Anonymous, at 3:25 PM, April 23, 2007
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