Motorist Aid

Call Boxes

The Santa Cruz County roadside emergency call box system is currently in the process of being decommissioned. Until recently, the RTC managed a network of approximately 65 roadside call boxes located on State Routes 1, 9, 17, 129, and 152.

Roadside call box usage in Santa Cruz County has declined significantly as motorists increasingly rely on cell phones and in-vehicle communication systems. Given improved countywide cellular coverage, ongoing maintenance challenges, and limited benefit to motorists relative to program cost, continued operation of the system is no longer practical.

The call boxes are no longer in service and should not be relied upon to request emergency or roadside assistance. Motorists requiring emergency assistance should call 911.

Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)

The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) roves segments of Highway 1 and Highway 17 looking to help stranded motorists on the highway during weekday commute hours and on a limited schedule on weekends.

FSP provides quick fixes to get motorists up and running or towed off the highway, such as changing a flat tire, jump-starting a vehicle, or providing 1 gallon of gas. All FSP services are free of charge to motorists.

The program also benefits travelers who are backed-up behind disabled vehicles on the highway by quickly removing the disabled vehicles and allowing traffic to return to normal conditions. FSP service is funded in part by DMV fees, Measure D, and SB1.

Have you been helped by FSP? Send us your completed survey card in the mail – postage is prepaid.  An electronic format is also available here.