The standards and upkeep of rest areas facilities vary. Rest
areas also have parking areas allotted for buses, tractor-trailer
trucks (big rigs) and recreational vehicles.
Many government-run rest areas tend to be located in remote and
rural areas where there are practically no fast food or
full-service restaurants, gas stations, motels, and other traveler
services nearby. The locations of rest areas are usually marked by
signs on the highway; for example, a sign may read, "Next Rest Stop
- 10 Kilometers".
Driving information is usually available at these locations, such
as posted maps and other local information. Some rest areas have
visitor information centers or highway patrol or state trooper
stations with staff on duty. There might also be drinking
fountains, vending machines, pay telephones, a gas station, a
restaurant or a convenience store at a rest area. Texas provides
Wi-Fi access at its state-owned rest areas, and several other
states have either followed suit or are considering doing
so.[citation needed] Many rest areas have picnic areas. Rest areas
tend to have traveler information in the form of so-called "exit
guides", which often contain very basic maps and advertisements for
motels and tourist attractions.
Privatized commercial rest areas may take a form of a truck stop
complete with a filling station, arcade video games and recreation
center, shower facilities, and fast food restaurant, cafeteria, or
food court all under one roof immediately adjacent to the freeway.
Some even offer business services, such as ATMs, fax machines,
office cubicles and internet access.
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