Rest Areas Closing in Many States

fulltimedaniel wrote:
I think that part of the problem is the trend in the last few years to "man" rest areas 24 hours a day by contracted "cleaning" crews. This was thought to result in decreased vandalism and lower crime.

What actually happened is that those contractors did what should have been expected. Low balled the first contract bid and steadiy rose their prices over time. What this results in is higher and higher costs states feel they cant get rid of.

There are plenty of companies out there making modular bathroom systems (see some Parks)that are virtually vandal proof. They are low maintenance and can be hosed down.

Other states have invested millions in overly fancy grandiose rest areas that are like mini cities. These soak up more millions in upkeep and those contractors. Thus smaller more humble but badly needed rest areas get closed.

Along my regularly traveled version of I-95(NE Corridor) I see mostly 24/7 rest stops that are also gas stations and food courts. I suspect they have more productivity, less overall crime, and a higher profit per sq ft than the stand alone rest stops. Seems like these type of spots take their business model from Pilot Flying J, 7/11, and TA, and are the wave of the current future. More often than not they also bear the burden of site upgrades as long as the contracts are written properly.

I can see some of the advantages of the s/s self cleaning bthrms at more isolated traditional rest stops with good lighting and CCTV added for good measure.
As for small contractors........as things currently stand this isn't their playground. Too much money has to be put out to win a state contract and all it entails.