NATSO last week urged the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to reconsider plans to commercialize non-interstate rest areas throughout the state.
In comments filed in response to ODOT's Request for Information for Non-Interstate Service Plaza Development, NATSO said commercializing rest areas represents government intrusion into the private sector by putting the state in direct competition with private businesses while at the same time further carving up the limited dollars spent at those businesses already struggling against lower traffic counts.
Although ODOT generates between $4 million and $5 million dollars annually from privately operated service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike, NATSO said the state is unlikely to generate comparable returns along non-interstates. Commercialized rest areas on the Ohio Turnpike operate from an advantaged location that other private businesses are barred from accessing. As a result, ODOT’s commercial rest areas on the Turnpike enjoy the privilege of high traffic volumes and zero competition.
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This article originally ran in NATSO News Weekly (NNW), NATSO's member only weekly electronic newsletter. NNW is packed with the latest updates on government and business issues affecting the truckstop and travel plaza industry. If you aren't reading NNW, you are missing out. Not a member? Join today or submit a request to receive additional information. If you are a member and not receiving NNW, submit a request to be added to the email list. |
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