Abstract
How travelers select and value public rest areas was investigated. A comprehensive survey was conducted at 15 public rest areas throughout Michigan; a similar survey was performed at two large commercial travel centers for comparison purposes. The primary objectives of this survey were to (a) identify the reasons motorists stop at public rest areas versus commercial service facilities, (b) estimate the value of services provided by public rest areas, and (c) determine the probable action taken by motorists in the event that a public rest area was unavailable. Results of the survey indicated that patrons at both public rest areas and commercial service facilities generally preferred rest areas for basic services (e.g., restroom use, short break) primarily because of the convenient freeway access. The median patron-reported value of services at standard public rest areas was $1.68 per stop compared with $2.21 per stop at rest areas that included a traveler information center. Even though drivers of commercial vehicles were the most frequent users of public rest areas, they tended to be less satisfied and gave a lower value to services provided. Had a particular public rest area not been available, approximately two-thirds of travelers in private vehicles would have diverted off the freeway to a commercial service facility, whereas one-quarter would have continued to the next rest area along the route. Commercial truck drivers were equally likely to continue to the next rest area as to divert off the freeway.