Paid parking is retarded in my opinion. I don't get it at all. FCFS is how it should be in my mind. It's just that so many drivers think TA and PFJ are the only truck stops that exist. They also think that you can only get a 10 hr break in a truck stop. I've had to buy a spot before, luckily PFJ will let you use points if necessary. If I can avoid that, I definitely will. It seemed to take off after the elog era began. I can't help but wonder if that motivated these truck stops to do so...knowing some drivers will panic when their time gets low and that will result in extra cash flow for the truck stop.
Love the paid parking. Hate the scumbags who think they can steal a spot and don’t have to move. Nothing wrong with reserved. Do you also *itch about having to make a reservation at a restaurant? Same thing. They have limited parking and demand is high. If someone is willing to drop a $20 so they can be guaranteed a spot God bless capitalism. It’s going to be even worse when it’s all EVs. That’s my charger! Mine doesn’t work! I ran out of juice can I borrow an extension cord?!
I doubt they could afford the real estate needed for something like that in and around larger cities.
You are 100% correct, alternatives are being explored. Example, Atlanta is far too expensive, but Birmingham AL could be a lower cost option.