I happened to be at a train station and I was curious how much it would cost to call a place ten miles away. I found it had two different rates.
It was a Verizon pay phone, and it was equipped with coin 1+ long distance, a feature many pay phones today no longer offer.
I dialed the number 7D. The quoted rate was 65c for three minutes.
I then dialed the number 10D (no 1). The quoted rate was $1.00 for four minutes. Apparently including the area code (the place was in the same area code where I was) triggered a different handling of the call.
It appears that short distance toll cash rates (eg 35 miles) from pay phones can be awfully expensive, even though some pay phones offer 25c/ minute nationwide.
For some reason I don't understand, some people refuse to get a cellphone, even if pay-per-use type. I realize their rate mishigosh (cancelling minutes when not used) is frustrating, but having the convenience and peace of mind of a cell phone 'just in case' makes it worth it. Given the high rates and rarity of public phones, I think anyone who ventures out of their house ought to have a cell phone.