James Adams of Monmouth, ME Despite all appearances of the Maine Turnpike being "user friendly" to tourists and other travelers there are a couple of things that say otherwise: To encourage tourism in some states the service areas on their toll roads offer some of the lowest prices for fuel to be found anywhere. Not so in Maine where the turnpike is usually the highest price around. Lower prices on the pike would be a strong statement that Maine is doing all it can to get people to travel despite rising costs.

Next on the lists of less than friendly is the lack of logo signing for fuel, food, hotels and campgrounds. Maine's legislature gave the turnpike the authority (direction) for these helpful signs some time ago. Today, more than ever, travelers running close on fuel need to know what their options are. Families traveling with children may want more choices and lower costs than are available in pike service areas. While Mainers may know that exiting in Biddeford or Lewiston will offer more choices than Gray or Sabattus, our friends from away will not.

The first and last impression of Maine for most tourists from away is the way they are treated on the turnpike. More and better information along with competitive prices for fuel, food, and services would be a a great way to say "welcome" and "come back soon".report abuse