Motorists who pull into rest stops along Ohio highways find the offerings there very limited. Most provide space to park and rest, a few vending machines, restrooms and perhaps maps and travel brochures. It costs the state between $30 million and $50 million a year to maintain the 101 rest stops.
A proposal being studied by Gov. John Kasich's administration calls for leasing the rest stops or parts of them to businesses. In exchange for providing services now offered, the businesses could market additional goods and services to motorists.
What's not to like about the idea? Nothing that we can see. It would eliminate at least part of the cost burden to state government and provide much-needed additional revenue for state highways and bridges. In addition, it would make the rest stops more useful for travelers.
No doubt there are "bugs" to be worked out before the plan can proceed. The Kasich administration should proceed as expeditiously as possible to do so.
