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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/01/1996, C-10 - CREATION OF A SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES (SAFE) TO INSTALL CALL BOXES ON STATE HIGHWAYS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY council j acenaa RCPO 2t NueSe w CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ------���� FROM: Mike McCluskey, Public Works Directory z5n Prepared By: Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner SUBJECT: Creation of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) to install call boxes on State highways in San Luis Obispo County CAO RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution supporting the creation of a SAFE in San Luis Obispo County. DISCUSSION: Attached is a report prepared by SLOCOG staff that describes what is needed to establish a call box program in San Luis Obispo County. The SLOCOG Board asks that each City Council and the County Board of Supervisors consider the merits of this program and adopt resolutions supporting it. The SAFE program would provide between 170 and 190 call boxes along State highways throughout the County. The boxes provide direct communication links with the Highway Patrol and allow motorists to report road hazards, breakdowns, accidents, fires or other incidents. SLOCOG would be required to prepare and adopt (at a public hearing) a plan showing the location of the call boxes. A similar proposal was presented to the SLO City Council about two years ago. While San Luis Obispo's Council supported the concept, a majority of local agencies in the County at that time did not. Since then, SLOCOG and others has conducted a variety of surveys that show public support for the program. The attached report indicates that 76% of County residents support the installation of the call boxes along with area emergency agencies such as the Highway Patrol and the County Criminal Justice Administrators Association (reference attached letter of support). At a recent SLOCOG hearing to initiate consideration of the SAFE program, the Board received testimony from Gary Fowler who opposes the program. Mr. Fowler maintains that it would be safer for motorists to remain in their vehicles and await assistance then to leave their vehicles to access a call box. FISCAL EMPACTS: The installation of the call boxes and their maintenance is paid for by a $1 a year increase in the vehicle registration fee. Use of the call boxes is free. CONCURRENCES: The City Police and Fire Departments strongly support the establishment of the SAFE program. Attachments Resolution supporting the establishment of a SAFE Call Box Staff Report (prepared by SLOCOG Staff) Letter of Support from the County Criminal Justice Administators Association State of the Call Box Program (Ca1SAFE, May, 1996) available in Council Office d-/o -/ RESOLUTION NO. (1996 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO SUPPORTING THE FORMATION OF A SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES (SAFE) WHEREAS, Chapter 14 of Division 3 of the Streets and Highway Code provides for the establishment of a SAFE, if the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo and a majority of the incorporated cities in the County having a majority of the population adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the authority; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that installing emergency call boxes will improve the safety of the motoring public and facilitate timely roadside assistance; and WHEREAS, the City Council bases its support on a survey of San Luis Obispo County residents that found 76% of the public support the installation of call boxes on State highways, even if it meant paying an additional $1 per year on their vehicle registration fees. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby supports: SECTION 1. The concept of forming a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies for the purpose of establishing a call box program in San Luis Obispo County pursuant to Section 2550 of the Street and Highway Code. SECTION 2. The designation of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments(SLOCOG) as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies in San Luis Obispo County. Upon motion of ,seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of . 1996. ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor (Mayor's Name) APPROVED AS TO FORM: ZX1tVotom CALL BOX STAFF REPORT To: All Cities and the County of the San Luis Obispo region From: The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Ronald L. De Carli, Executive Director Peter Rodgers, Associate Transportation Planner Subject: Request for consideration by the City Council on the establishment of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies to install call boxes on state highways in the county. Recommendation: Support implementation of a Call Box Program -Adopt Attached Resolution The SLOCOG Board is considering developing a program to install call boxes along roadways in the county. The program is strongly supported by law enforcement agencies, emergency response providers and by 3 out of 4 county residents. The program would be funded through a $1 vehicle registration fee increase and approximately 170 call boxes could be placed throughout the county. The SLOCOG Board is requesting each city and the County consider the attached resolution to form a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies. This staff report: 1) answers the most common questions about starting a call box program, 2) provides specific information concerning the proposed program in San Luis Obispo County, and 3) provides a resolution for approval by your Council, should you choose to support implementing a call box program. A. The Most Commonly Asked Questions about Call Boxes What is a call box and how does it work? The California call box program is a motorist-aid system operating on freeways, highways and expressways in 26 of the 58 counties of the state. They are normally administered at the regional level by local Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). Normally SAFE's consist of existing regional transportation commissions or Councils of Governments. Call boxes provide motorists with a direct communications link to the California Highway Patrol Communications center. Motorists can report a road hazard, flat tire, mechanical breakdown, traffic accident or other incident. Using the call box is easy. Motorists need only pick up the receiver and the CHP dispatcher can pinpoint his or her position. This benefit even extends to the small minority of drivers with car phones, whose devices are of limited utility if the user does not know exactly where he or she is. Upon receiving a call from a call box, CHP personnel will dispatch appropriate assistance, whether it be a private to service, or law enforcement, fire of medical service. Use of the call box is free, but motorists are responsible for towing another roadside assistance charges. 1 What are the benefits? Inexpensive Insurance ($1/per year) - The call box program has been likened by some to an insurance policy, one that protects all travelers from getting stranded by the side of the freeway in the event of car trouble. Like an insurance policy, one of the principal benefits is piece of mind - the piece of mind that comes from knowing that help on the highway is just a phone call away. Leverages Limited Resources- Because it provides a mechanism for dealing with ordinary, non-emergency travel incidents, (90% of calls are for routine breakdowns)the call box program frees uniformed CHP officers for higher priority law enforcement activities. Call boxes make it possible to provide direct, targeted assistance, which greatly enhances the CHP's ability to patrol the states large, far-flung highway system. There are cost efficiencies associated with call boxes. Currently, if a CHP officer spots a stranded motorist, the officer will stop to offer assistance. After stopping, the officer has to determine the exact nature of the problem, and radio the dispatch center to send the appropriate service. But, if the stranded motorist has already used a call box, the CHP officer may not be needed at the scene. The officer is in radio contact with the dispatcher who can confine that the motorist is being assisted by the private sector. In the event the officer is needed at the scene, the arriving officer knows exactly the nature of the situation before stopping. Or, if a tow truck is needed and on the way, the officer is free to respond to other more critical situations that may need an officers assistance. Currently,the CHP sends a uniformed officer in response to cellular 911 calls that report a stranded motorist. This requires the time of highly trained and valuable uniformed personnel, the engagement of specialized vehicular resources (with associated fuel &depreciation costs), and often times, the responding officer acts as a communication resource to send the appropriate roadside assistance. With call boxes, the CHP dispatcher can directly, and more rapidly provide the communication link at a significantly reduced operational cost. Thus, because call boxes provide a mechanism for dealing with ordinary, nonemergency travel incidents, the call box system frees uniformed CHP officers for higher priority law enforcement assignments. It Helps Motorists Out of Trouble-The motorist aid system delivers key benefits to the states motorists. The call box system: 1. Ensures the safety of the motoring public by enabling individual drivers to receive timely roadside assistance and reduces exposure time on the highway; 2. Stretches CHP resources by providing a way to deal with routine traffic incidents, without the direct assistance of uniformed patrol officers; 3. Reduces congestion on California highways by facilitating the speedy reporting and clearing of vehicular breakdowns and traffic incidents; 4. Enables quicker accident response to rural incidents - in isolated areas call boxes may be the only means of reporting incidents; S. Low costs-for only $1 per year motorists have access to over 15,000 call boxes; 2 6. Assures local control - regional administration of the program directed by local elected officials allows the system to be tailored to the community needs; 7. Offers reliable service -state of the art cellular and integrated circuit technology provides virtual fail-safe communications link to CHP dispatchers. 8. New technology - call boxes can become potential data links to traffic related monitoring, communication and control functions, as well as future Intelligent Highway Vehicle Systems. How much does it cost? One dollar($1) per year per registered vehicle pays for the program. Usage of the call box is free. Aren't there enough personal cellular phones out there to make call boxes obsolete? No. Current estimates are that approximately 12-16% of drivers have cellular phones. Full market penetration is expected to be 30% of drivers. Call boxes are the only way to provide universal coverage for all members of the traveling public. Passing motorists may call to report that someone is stranded along the freeway, but often times the caller can't relate the exact location or specific problem, making it difficult for the CHP to locate and properly respond. The decision to install call boxes or not is an equity issue. While cellular phones will become more prevalent among the affluent, it is likely that lower income groups (including students, fixed- income senior citizens, or tourists)will not have cellular phones for many years, if ever. Furthermore, it is the lower income groups that may be most likely to need roadside assistance. Call box advantages: • Better location data (exact) • Reaches highest proportion of drivers (100%) • Available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk on all covered highways • Least cost insurance policy • Capable of IVHS (intelligent vehicle) functions, communications flexibility Cellular 9-1-1: • Access fee $30/mo. average, usage is$60 mo. average • Current market penetration averages 12-16% • Incident reports have significant locational error • Non-emergency calls for other drivers are rare and w/o essential details Who supports call boxes? A countywide public opinion survey demonstrated overwhelming support for call boxes. A statistically representative survey of all county residents showed, at a 95% confidence level, 76% of residents support the installation of emergency call boxes for a $1 annual vehicle registration fee increase. In the survey, only 19% of respondents opposed installing call boxes. The $1 DMV fee was clearly stated in the survey questionnaire. The California Highway Patrol, County Sheriff, City Police Chiefs, Fix Highway 46 Committee, AAA Automobile Club, and other emergency response agencies support call boxes. In addition, a Cambria resident recently surveyed the general public through member businesses of the Chamber of Commerce. Of the 505 individuals that considered establishing a call box program for$1 per year per vehicle, 499 were in favor and 7 were opposed. 3 d-/o-S� B. Selected Specifics of the Proposed Call Box Program for SLO County How many call boxes would be installed? Approximately 170-190 call boxes could be installed based on the current number of registered vehicles in the county; and slowly expanded after the initial system is in place. Where would the call boxes be placed? The Call Box Installation Plan would be approved by the local SAFE in a public hearing. All state highways are eligible routes (1, 101, 41, 46, 58, 166 and 227). Negotiations are also underway to allow call boxes on local roads. Critical segments of Highway 101 (i.e. Cuesta Grade) and Highway 46 appear good candidates for the first implementation phase. The density of call boxes could be as close as 1/2 mile where warranted, or singular call boxes, located strategically on rural roads, depending on need. Which Agency would Administer the Program? The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments is the logical regional agency to administer the program. Some administrative functions such as service/maintenance contracts and group purchasing arrangements may be possible through neighboring SAFE's in Santa Barbara County or Kern County. How much do call boxes cost? The current cost per unit is about $2,700. Total operating and maintenance costs (which includes all repairs & maintenance, insurance, accidental knock-downs, SAFE &CHP administration, cellular service charges etc.) is about$950 per box per year. Are alternative funding sources available? Not for installing and operating a countywide system. SLOCOG staff has researched the"Adopt- a-call-box" option, private industry financing (cellular companies), and other state funding resources. Capital costs may be supplemented by these sources but system wide operations require a dedicated funding source. User funding from DMV registration fees, as authorized by legislation, provides a clear nexus for the program, and is supported by 76% of the general public. Aren't call boxes more suited for urban counties and not rural counties like SLO? No. Since many highways in rural counties lack the level of service (by the CHP and other emergency response agencies) enjoyed in urban areas, motorists are exposed to much longer waits and higher safety risks when breakdowns occur in isolated locales. Statistics show that, though urban areas have most of the vehicle miles traveled and most of the accidents, rural areas have a higher percentage of deaths and serious injuries resulting from automobile accidents. 9 What is the next step in the process? After the cities consider forming a call box program, the County Board of Supervisors will make the final determination. The law states that a SAFE may be established in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and a majority of the cities within the county having a majority of the population of cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the authority. C. Resolution of Support (Attached) Please do not hesitate to contact Peter Rodgers on SLOCOG staff at 781-5712 if you have any questions or concerns. 5 RESOLUTION N0. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE FORMATION OF A SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES (SAFE) WHEREAS, Chapter 14 of Division 3 of the Streets and Highway Code was added by Chapter 1350 of the Statutes of 1985 providing for the establishment of a SAFE, if the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo and a majority of the incorporated cities of the County San Luis Obispo having a majority of the population adopt a resolutions providing for the establishment of the authority; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that installing emergency call boxes will improve the safety of the motoring public and facilitate timely roadside assistance to 100% of drivers; and WHEREAS, the City Council bases its findings a survey of San Luis Obispo county residents that found 76% of the general public support the installation of call boxes on state highways in the county, even if it meant paying an additional $1 per year on their vehicle registration fees; and WHEREAS, across the state, the establishment of call box programs has proven to stretch the limited resources of the California Highway Patrol, reduce traffic congestion in congestion areas, and enable a quicker, more efficient response to roadside breakdowns and incidents and save lives at a nominal cost. NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, the City Council of hereby supports the concept of forming a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies for the purpose of establishing a call box program in San Luis Obispo County pursuant to Section 2550 of the Street and Highway Code; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of supports the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies in San Luis Obispo county. Mayor Date Legal Counsel Date City Clerk Date 6 C/d�� CRM NAL JUS' SCE ADMINISTRATORS Au,,OCIATION OF SAN LUIS OEISPO COUNTY CAL POLY UNIVERSITY POLICE San Luis Obispo, Ca 93407 (805)756-2281 ALLAN HANCOCI(COLLEGE- CRIMINALJusTICETRAIMINO San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Ronald De Carli, Executive Director ARRoro GRANDE PoucE DEPARTMENT 1150 Osos St., Suite 202 ATAscADERO POUCE DEPARTMENT San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ATASCADERO STATE HOSPITAL- DEPT.OF PROTECTIVE SERVICES Mr. De Carli, CAUFORX HIGHWAY PATRDL The Criminal Justice Administrator's Association (CJAA) of San CALIFOR"�"`Xs`°`°`" Luis Obispo County is comprised of the heads of the 18 CAUFORNu STATE DEPARTMENT or municipal, county, state and federal agencies having law PARKS AXD RECREATION enforcement responsibility within the County. The primary tenet of each of these represented agencies is to ensure the safety of `AL'FOR""POLme FIRE MAR" rNT. all the County's citizens. It follows that, as a body, the CJAA POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT. .SAN WS OBISPO desires to promote public safety and to serve as an advocate on matters related to safety. CALIFORNIA SPCwI zeO TRAINING INsTIMC Recently, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments CouNx orr SSm DISTRICT ATTOD s OOtu-sPo (SLOCOG) met to consider the findings of the Call Box AX LUIS Assessment Draft Report, listen to public comments, and vote CAurcRXUYOUTM AUTMoRrtT• on the issue of proceeding with the approval process. By a EL PA-so x ROBLES SOTS ScNOOL majority vote, the SLOCOG members agreed to advance the issue to the next stage of that process. FfOCRAL BUREAU OF INVfsTWTOX GRoveR BEAc"Poucr DEPARTMENT Collectively, the members of the CJAA are pleased that the approval process is advancing and wish to offer our JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMISSION- endorsement for the Incremental Installation of 170 call boxes ccU w Or SM WS OBISPO on the County's major highways, to include: State Routes 1, 41, 46, 166, and US Route 101. Our endorsement is based on the MORRO BAT Pouce DEPARTMENT obvious need for the on-highway safety benefits call boxes will PA50 ROBLCs POLICE DEPARTMENT provide. We agree with the findings of the Draft Assessment Report that: . Pismo BFxN Pouce DCPARTMCNT • Call boxes are a safety improvement for all county motorists. PROBATION OCPARTMCNT- COUNTT Or Sul Ons OBISPO In this regard, motorists not having the advantage of possessing a cellular telephone can be assured of timely roadside SAX Lws Oasvo COurrtT NARconcs TASK FORCE assistance. Certainly, a large percentage of the county's motorists do not own cellular telephones and should have other SAX OIs OBISPO POLIOS DEPARTMeTT technology available to summon assistance. Additionally, we do SXER,rrZOROMER's DEPARTMCIIT- COUXTT or SAN I.Ins OBISPO not believe it is wise to assume a motorist will receive timely assistance by way of a good Samaritan's cellular telephone call. The advantage of a call box is that it provides an immediate and direct link to the California Highway Patrol dispatcher. • Call boxes are effective for law enforcement. A direct link with a CHP dispatcher will allow for the provision of non-emergency roadside assistance without requiring the response of an Officer. From a cost- effective standpoint, this will free Officers to address higher priority enforcement activities and minimize lengthy response times to incidents which are more appropriately handled by the dispatching of a tow truck at the owner's request. Additionally, the use of call boxes will reduce the on-highway exposure time of motorists requiring assistance. It is our experience that minimizing exposure time minimizes the potential for a disable motorist being struck by another vehicle or becoming the victim of a crime. • Call boxes will allow for a prompt response by emergency personnel to rural areas. Without doubt, the San Luis Obispo County has highways, such as SR41, SR46, and SR166 which are rural and depending on the time of day, are not heavily traveled. Clearly, cellular telephones are not a solution to the notification of and subsequent response by emergency personnel to events occurring on these rural sections of highway. Additionally, it would not be prudent to presuppose that a good cellular signal would be available in these outlying locations. The CJAA appreciates this opportunity to endorse the installation of call boxes. It is an issue for which we collectively have strong feelings. Accordingly, we urge SLOCOG members and the County's seven cities to adopt the call box program and form a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies. If I can provide any additional information on the CJAA's views, please do not hesitate to give me a call. Sincerely, L. Thomas Mitchell Chairman, CJAA -/� o MEL-aNG AGENDA DATE Ga,�ITEM # State of California- Business, Transportation and Housing Agency PETE WILSON, Governor DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL 675 California Boulevard San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2591 (805) 549-3092 1-800 735-2929 (TT/TDD) or VCOUNCIL ❑ G:)D DIR 1-800 735-2922 (CRSNoice) Ao ❑ FIN DIR CAO ❑ IRE CHIEF l I September 27, 1996 7TO RNEY YV PWDIR M; FCLERKIORIG ❑ POLICE CHF j ❑ MGMr TEAM ❑ REC DIR 4' -City of San Luis Obispo ❑ R FILE ❑ UTIL DIR City Council ❑ PERS DIR t" 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401 Dear City Council members, In regard to agenda item C, scheduled for consideration at the October 2, 1996, City Council meeting, I wish to declare the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) unequivocal support for the incremental installation of 170 call boxes on the County's major state route highways, and US on 101. As a voting member of the Criminal Justice Administrator's Association (CJAA) of San Luis Obispo County, the CHP concurs with the endorsement of that body for the installation of call boxes in our County. We fully agree with the justifying comments as contained in their letter which, on August 6, 1996, was forwarded to the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG). A copy of that letter has been provided to your council and is attached to the Agenda Report. Call boxes will enhance the safety of motorists by allowing a prompt response to their needs by law enforcement officers, thus minimizing their exposure to passing traffic. The direct link with a CHP dispatcher will ensure timely roadside assistance to disabled motorists as well as provide a means by which accidents, criminal acts and other highway related issues can be promptly communicated. Call box installation will allow the dispatcher to make a clear determination as to the need for response by an officer, as opposed to merely providing information or responding a tow truck for assistance. This will ultimately result in more efficient service provision, allowing officers to direct their attention to priority matters. Ultimately, we believe a cost savings will be realized. RECEIVED SEP t 7 NPJb CITY COUNCIL r,AN i -'c nempo. CA San Luis Obispo City Council September 27, 1996 Page Two If I may provide you any additional information on our supporting view, or relative to CHP call box experience in other counties within California, please do not hesitate to contact me. P illips, Captain Com nder s � 1 CALL BOX Fes"« .rte � fi;. •.'`Wc..- - S` t��,�, _ t SA r V I I I 1 - I I l 1 _ 1. This reporvis published ib.y.the California Service Authorities for Freeways,and'Expressways Committee'iCalSAEEI..Formed in 1987 andl comprised of;members from each.of the state's 17 individual SAFE organizations, CaISAFE promotes the sharing of.information and resources to improve the administration of motorist-aid,call box programs in California. • --, it r i I 'SnA�F1E: . STATE O F THE GALLB OX: PROGRAM �s A. Report on the .First 10 -Years of California's .Sermce;Authofity for Fyee:way$ j and Exp. ressways (SAFE)• Program P'UB?LLS'BED WY:: California, Ser.vi�ce .Au:th:ori-ti_es_ 'for Freeways and 'E'xpr.e.ssways !C-ommittee (CiiglSAFE•) MAY T..996' TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION IV. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES 20 L BACKGROUND 7 Statewide Standardization 20 History 1 Partnerships 20 Program Description 2 Call Box Improvements 21 How the Call Boxes Work 3 Call Answering Service 22 Call Box Access: Complying with the 11. THE CALL BOX SYSTEM 5 Americans with Disabilities Act 23 Call Box Spacing and Freeway Coverage 8 Managing the Network 9 V. FUTURE DIRECTIONS 25 SAFES 9 California Highway Patrol (CHP) 10 Statewide Call Box Coverage 25 Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 10 Smart Call Box Demonstration 26 Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 11 System Management 27 California SAFE Committee (CalSAFE) 11 Next Generation Call Box 28 Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Complements Call Box System 11 APPENDIX 29 Components of Cost Installation, Operations,Maintenance 12 Table A-1: Capital Costs 12 California Motorist-Aid System Overview 30 Operating Costs 12 Table A-2: Call Box System Operational Profile 31 111. CALL BOX BENEFITS 16 Table A-3: Highway Coverage and Call Box Spacing 32 Call Boxes as a Safety Net 16 Table A-4: Rapid Incident Detection and Response 17 Call Box System Maintenance Profile 33 Improved Use of Other Resources 18 Table A-5: Better Traffic Management Call Box System Call Response Profile 34 Reduces Congestion 18 Table A-6: The Systems Approach 19 Call Box Highway Installation Benefits Generate Public Support 20 Summary for the U.S. 35 Call Box Program Contacts 36 Note:Unless otherwise noted,the California Service Authorities for Freeways and Expressways Committee(CalSAFE) is the source of all data appearing in charts and tables in this publication. The California call box program is a motorist-aid system operating on freeways, highways and expressways in most of the more densely populated regions of the state.It is administered at the county or regional level by local Service Authorities for Freeways and Expressways(SAFEs). The bright yellow, solar-powered call boxes that SAFEs have d installed along California roadways have created a safety net for the 0 si state's travelers. The call boxes provide motorists with a direct �- connection to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) communications center. Using this link, motorists can report a road hazard, flat tire, mechanical breakdown,traffic accident or other incident.Upon receiving a call from a call box, CHP personnel dispatch appropriate assistance,whether it be a pO tow service, or law enforcement, fire or medical service. Use of the call box is free,but motorists are responsible for paying towing and most other roadside assistance charges. Since the statewide program began, in 1986,a total of 17 SAFES have been formed,covering 29 of California's 58 counties.Together,these SAFES have installed over 15,000 call boxes in California,more than the total in all other states combined. This publication offers a look at the growth and accomplishments of the California SAFE program during its first decade of existence. It also examines current and future challenges, and identifies promising possibilities to both expand the system and upgrade it technologically. The report can therefore be regarded as both an assessment of the call box program and a guide to its plans and prospects. In an effort to broaden public awareness of the call box system, CaISAFE has also produced a 12-page brochure that serves as a companion to this report. To receive a copy of the brochure, or for additional information on California's call box system, please contact one of the call box authorities (SAFES)listed at the end of this report. BACKGROUND History California's first organized call box program began in 1962, when Los Angeles County installed 30 phones on the Harbor Freeway in central Los Angeles.The original call box phones used underground cable telephone lines along the freeways to connect callers to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The call box system was operated and maintained by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department and calls were answered by the CHP's Los Angeles communications center. Funding for the original system was provided by Los Angeles County's share of gasoline tax revenues. Pacific Bell Telephone Company installed and "San Diego County maintained approximately 60 percent of the underground cabling for the fledgling network, while GTE Telephone formed the state's Operations installed and maintained the other 40 percent of the system. When the telephone industry was first SAFE in deregulated in 1984, maintenance responsibilities shifted January 1986" from the telephone companies to a contract program administered by the county. In 1985, steps were taken to expand the system to other areas of the state. In April of that year, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1199, which created the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) program. [The name of the program was later amended to `Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways; the orginal SAFE acronym has been retained.] The fundamental purpose of this legislation was to establish user-funded, locally managed motorist-aid programs on a county-elective basis. Policy direction would be set by elected officials representing cities within a county and the county itself. The legislation also created an oversight role for CHP and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) at no cost to the state. San Diego County, an active supporter of the legislation, formed the state's first SAFE in January 1986 and designated its county department of public works to staff the program. In February 1986, the state's second SAFE was created in Orange County. In September 1987, Orange County SAFE, staffed by the Orange County Transportation Commission (now the Orange County Transportation Authority), became the state's first operational SAFE with the installation of call boxes on State Route 57. Shortly thereafter, in September 1988, San Diego SAFE became operational with the installation of call STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM boxes on State Route 52. Since the early formation of these two agencies, 15 additional SAFEs have been formed,for a systemwide total of 17. Table A-1 in the Appendix provides a profile of the California call box system, including dates individual agencies began operations, installation costs, miles of coverage and total number of site locations. Program Description Under the provisions of the 1985 enabling legislation, SAFEs can be created by a vote of a county's board of supervisors, contingent upon the approval of a majority of cities containing a majority of the population within that county. Once formed, SAFEs are governed by a board of directors made up of elected officials, most of whom also hold positions in their local transportation commission or council of governments. Later legislation authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Council of Governments to act as regional SAFEs. These two SAFE agencies represent nine counties and five counties, respectively, in their areas of a S governance. Management and staffing of the call box program varies by SAFE, with these functions usually being performed by local transportation commissions and authorities, or by local associations of governments. In two cases, SAFEs are operated by county public works departments. Caltrans and 4 CHP provide technical and operational support through departmental coordinators and through local Caltrans district and CHP division personnel. Statewide guidelines have been _- published by CHP and Caltrans to ensure a degree of - standardization and consistency in relationships among the various state and local agencies involved in the program. Funding for the California call box program is provided by a $1 per vehicle annual registration surcharge imposed in each SAFE county. The surcharge is collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the normal vehicle registration process and provides funds for the purchase and maintenance of equipment and the ongoing operations of the call box system. By law, the funds can also be used to finance certain other motorist-aid improvements, such as the Freeway Service Patrols (roving tow trucks), changeable message roadway signs and support for Transportation Management Centers. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Individual SAFEs manage their own finances and contract with commercial vendors to install and maintain call boxes. Caltrans and CHP have renewable contracts with each SAFE for technical and operational support services. Telephone service is provided by cellular common carriers, usually under a long term contract arrangement (typically ten years). Special call box cellular tariffs — significantly lower than regular subscriber rates—have been filed with the California Public Utility Commission. How the Call Boxes Work Each call box is a battery-powered, solar-charged roadside terminal with a microprocessor and built-in cellular telephone. Two different models of this basic unit are presently in use in California, one supplied by Cubic Communications of San Diego and the other by GTE Government Telecommunication Services, Inc. of Orange County. Both models operate similarly. Motorists need only open the front of the unit and pick up the telephone handset within (on the Cubic terminal), or pick up the handset and push a large red button (on the GTE terminal) to be w connected to a CHP operator. At that point, voice communications between the motorist and the CHP dispatcher are like any other voice telephone communications. =— Once the motorist is connected to the CHP, a call taker is := prepared to dispatch emergency services, or to provide a connection to routine service through auto clubs or other private tow and service providers. In the event the motorist hangs up the phone or the CHP temporarily terminates the call, the CHP dispatcher can initiate a "call back" to Lq the motorist. All call boxes in California use an Automatic Number Identification feature which informs the dispatcher, through a data base lookup, of the exact location of the caller. This feature expedites service requests and is particularly # important in critical situations, or when motorists are otherwise y ' unable to discern their locations. _ The cellular phone and handset design provide loud and clear communications in a noisy freeway environment. Handsets with special noise canceling capabilities and dispatcher-operated volume controls are standard equipment. The cellular phones and handsets work well with acoustic coupler devices such as those found on Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs), and are also hearing aid compatible. Additionally, each call box STATE OF THE GALL BOX PROGRAM How the Call Box System Works (1.0 10 I TELEPHONE THUNK LINES ME © CELLULARMOBILE RADIO SITE © SWITCHING OFFICE TELEPHONE TRUNK LINES r04601 SHP STANDARD TELEPHONE LINES ASSISTANCE CHP CENTRAL DISPATCH SWITCHING CENTER CENTER Automatic Call Distributor(ACD) Computer Aided Dispatch(CAD) 1. Cellular Call Box 4. Central Switching Center Automatic Call Distributor(ACD) When a user lifts the receiver and The central switching center is the and Computer Aided Dispatch(CAD) activates a call box,the transceiver location where cellular radio signals The ACD is a computerized phone uses solar-generated power stored are converted into standard telephone system that sorts and routes incoming in a rechargeable battery to send a signals and then sent into the standard calls according to their priority status. signal to the nearest cellular radio telephone network.After call box calls The CAD is a computer-based system site,or"cell site." reach the switching center,they are that simultaneously records and routed to the California Highway provides detailed information about 2. Cellular Radio Site Patrol Dispatch Center via standard the call,including the call box loca- Cell sites are the gateways into the telephone lines. tion,the best access route to the call networks operated by cellular service box site,and emergency services providers.A call generated from a call 5. CHP Dispatch Center available in the area.Call information box in the form of a cellular radio The CHP operates dispatch centers is entered and automatically stored in signal is received by a cell site and throughout California.The primary the CAD records for later access. relayed to a mobile switching office responsibility of the centers is to via land-based telephone trunk lines. provide lifeline communications to the 6. Assistance officers on the highways by means of Once the call-taker has assessed 3. Mobile Switching Office CHP radio.CHP dispatchers are also the situation,he or she will dispatch A mobile switching office receives responsible for answering all cellular the appropriate assistance,whether calls from various cell sites and routes 911 calls,other law enforcement- it be emergency service(CHP,fire them to a central switching center. related calls,and call box calls.CHP or ambulance service)or routine The connection from the mobile dispatchers utilize sophisticated motorist-aid service(Freeway Service switching center to the central equipment to assist them in answering Patrol—if available—or private switching center is via hard-wire incoming calls. tow service). trunk lines. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM f1 terminal contains a placard with special operating instructions in English and at least one other language. Bilingual operators are available, as are translation services for most languages. Many CHP communications centers in California use Automatic Call Distributors (ACDs) to assist in answering incoming calls (See Table A-5 in Appendix). The ACD can process all types of incoming telephone calls, including cellular 911, other law enforcement-related calls, and call box calls. The ACD provides recorded messages, queues and prioritizes incoming calls, and then distributes calls to telephone service desk operators as they become available. Call box calls are handled as third priority calls (after cellular 911 and other law enforcement-related calls), and are normally answered within 60 seconds and processed typically within five minutes. Call boxes receive scheduled preventive and as-needed corrective maintenance to keep them operating at a high state of readiness. The units are designed to operate in extreme temperatures and in all types of weather conditions. Additionally, call boxes are capable of initiating special alarm calls to a maintenance center in the event of malfunction, knockdown or vandalism. Call box terminals are attached to steel poles mounted on break-away bases designed to minimize damage to the call box and to a vehicle in the event of a knockdown. Certain types of vandalism are minimized because of call box design and the alarm function built into the system. Each call box automatically reports its operational status at regular intervals, reporting items such as: battery voltage, electrical components continuity, etc. If a critical item malfunctions between routine status report calls, the call box initiates an immediate alarm call to its maintenance center. Some immediate alarms also are routed directly to the CHP communications center, where the operator receives either a synthesized voice call or a hard copy printout. THE CALL BOX SYSTEM California has 67 percent of all known highway/tunnel/bridge call boxes in the United States (see Appendix,Table A-6).The California program is unique in many ways: user funding source, local control over policy and management, statewide technical standardization, and dedicated funding for maintenance and operations support. The California SAFE program has set a standard for excellence in motorist-aid service to the public and in system management. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Call Box Counties in California u Z Siskiyou Modod v Shasta Lassen NUMBER OF STATE HIGHWAY MILES IN CALIFORNIA Ct Trinity (by Call Box County Status) + ` Total Highway Miles = 15,256 Tehama Plumes Miles in Counties With a Cell Box -aGtir.) Butte star'. 6,302 MILES 8,WMBES' Program Miles in 59% Colusa JaaTCounties With Placer No Call Box Program el 41% •Call boxes actually installed Dorado Alpine on 6,330 miles,as of}995. r. sdo, _ Pm a ��1FlaT• JatO �L•T 'I•U-l]1' ve-moo 4ky01j0 Sen Francis t�� �•�� y C1trcT,•I Slanisiaus Mariposa `a _ Fib Merced „� Moya Sa 7 1%10 Fresno Inyo �O ole' Tulare ey Kings San Luis ,-kT;7. Obispo :rre.fS€ 'vt:fftLlYJ $F. 4`7 STATE OF THE GALL BOX PRODRAM California ' s Call Boxes : Key Statistics COUNTY/REGION #OF CALL BOX #OF HIGHWAY CALLS(BY 0 OF CALL BOX SITES) SITES MILES COVERED LOS ANGELES 4,343 743 1.406 SAN FRANCISCO 2,927 1,177 526 BAY AREA SAN BERNARDINO 1,682 1,163 384 SAN DIEGO 1,663 499 452 SACRAMENTO 1,172 641 235 CAPITOLVALLEY' RIVERSIDE 1,090 657 240 ORANGE 1,018 175 319 1.The nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area call box jurisdiction are:Alameda,Contra Costa,Marin,Napa, KERN 525 772 72 San Francisco,San Mateo,Santa Clara,Selene and Sonoma. VENTURA 500 211 78 2.The five counties in the Sacramento Capital Valley SANTA BARBARA 332 194 41 call box jurisdiction are:Sacramento,San Joaquin,Sutter, Yale and Yuba. SANTA CRUZ 119 80 23 3.Six other counties have call box programs.Three have OTHERS a 10 8 •6 call boxes installed(Del Norte,Humboldt,and Lake counties), and the other three(Glenn,Imperial and Mendocino)are not TOTAL 1 15,381 6= 3.777 yet operational. As of 1995, over 15,000 call boxes have been installed in California, lining some 6,300 miles of highway in 26 of California's 58 counties. The SAFE program operates call boxes on Interstate highways,limited access state routes, rural non-limited access three- and four-lane state routes and rural two-lane state routes. California is the only state to use local funding for operation of call boxes on non-Interstate rural highways. Call boxes are found at 8,000 feet altitude in the San Bernardino mountain range, in the Mojave Desert, in dense urban areas, in rural agricultural zones and along coastal highways. Individual systems range from the Los Angeles system, which at 4,343 call boxes is the largest and busiest motorist-aid system of its kind in the world, to Santa Cruz County, which operates a system of 119 call boxes in a largely rural environment. Smaller still are the operations of six rural SAFES that have either installed small numbers of call boxes or are accumulating funds to purchase systems.Table A-1 in the Appendix lists the number of call boxes operated by each SAFE. The California call box system generates over 100,000 calls per month, or over 1.3 million calls per year, with call volume peaking during the rainy season in some areas STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM and during the tourist-heavy summer months in other areas.Table A-2 in the Appendix summarizes key operational statistics for California SAFEs for the fiscal year July 1994 through June 1995. Call Box Spacing and Freeway Coverage Guidelines for call box spacing are based on traffic flows and are listed in the accompanying table. This spacing presupposes that communications coverage is available (although cellular coverage is expanding rapidly throughout the state, some areas AVERAGE DAILY are still without consistent of coverage), and generally applies to Fewer than 40,000 1 to 2 miles freeways and expressways defined by Chapter 2 of California Streets 40,000 to 100,000 1/2 to 1 mile and Highways Code. More than 100,000 1/4 to 1/2 mile On conventional two-lane state highways in rural areas, a system spacing standard may be difficult to achieve due to roadside configuration and communications considerations. As a result, rural sites are selected to provide the best possible coverage under existing constraints. In the rural environment, other communications facilities are generally limited or not available, therefore even a non- standard-spaced system provides a benefit to the motorist. The purpose and design of an urban motorist-aid system differs significantly from a rural system. Urban systems have closer spacing, designed to minimize motorist vulnerability to heavy traffic flows. Urban systems function also as an input to the incident management data collection and reporting process. Call box usage in urban areas is typically six to ten calls per box per month, while rural boxes produce three to four calls per box per month. In urban areas, call boxes are complementary to Freeway Service Patrols (see page 11) and are considered an integral part of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) core infrastructure as defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Rural systems are primarily designed to provide communications capability where none other exists. Spacing is less of a consideration, particularly on two-lane, non-limited access roads, where pedestrian safety and lack of communications coverage may dictate STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Y r irregular spacing. California and Hawaii are the only states that have significant call box coverage on two-lane highways. Motorist-aid system coverage and spacing, including the urban versus rural breakdown of California call boxes are summarized in Table A-3 in the Appendix. Since there are many rural Interstates in California, not all rural mileage shown in this table is two-lane classification. Figure 1 — Local SAFE Relationships State Agencies Board of Directors City/County Elected Officials C=Coord!inator Policy Guidance System Status Local Dispatch Operations Caltrans Transportation Agency Statewide ........................................:: SAFE Staff County agency Coordinator Regional Authority Roadway Engineering DMV Call Box Vendor Cellular Carrier Revenue Collection Private Sector Managing the Network A number of entities work together to administer the California SAFE program. The relationship of state agencies to local SAFES is shown in Figure 1, along with the partnership structure between state and local officials and between the public and private sectors. SAFES SAFEs own and operate the call box systems in the state. While they are separate legal entities, SAFEs are admininistered either by a county department of public works STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM - 1 (e.g., San Diego SAFE), a council of governments (e.g., Capitol Valley Regional SAFE), or a metropolitan planning organization (e.g., Metropolitan Transportation Commission SAFE in the Bay Area). By pooling their registration funds to operate a larger system, regional SAFES are able to realize certain purchasing, maintenance, administrative, management and insurance efficiencies. In their start-up phases, most SAFEs relied on consultants to provide technical support and continuity from system design through post-installation management. Once J+ the call box system is up and running, SAFEs typically manage with one to three staff 1 members working either part-time or full-time, depending on activities. Staff members wear many hats as they deal with the challenges of managing equipment procurement and installation, system operations and maintenance, and later expansion and future- oriented demonstrations. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL(CHP) The law governing call box operations specifies that the CHP answer all call box calls and dispatch appropriate service to motorists. SAFE agencies contract with CHP for answering and dispatching and share certain equipment leasing, design, and pur- chase costs associated with call box calls. Call response profiles are shown in Table A-5 in the Appendix. Both the CHP and Caltrans (see below) support the SAFE program by attending and participating in Ca1SAFE meetings, where they offer support and guidance on issues relating to their respective agencies. By law, SAFEs must operate within guidelines published jointly by Caltrans and CHP. The SAFES jointly reimburse CHP for one full-time staff position. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) Caltrans plays an important role in supporting the call box program. Headquarters provides guidance on installation issues while local Caltrans district offices provide encroachment permits, installation plan reviews, site selection support and support for construction inspection. Owner agencies (SAFES) are responsible for maintenance and, in turn, contract with the equipment providers for all maintenance. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV) The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMS collects vehicle registration fees ($1 per vehicle per year) for each SAFE county. DMV assesses each SAFE an initial set-up STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM W charge. Fees are collected monthly on all fee-paid vehicle registrations and sent to respective SAFE agencies. CALIFORNIA SAFE COMMITTEE (CALSAFE) The California SAFE Committee (Ca1SAFE) was formed in 1957 and is made up of members from each SAFE organization in California. The purpose of CaISAFE is to provide individual SAFEs with a forum to share information and resources to further the success of motorist-aid call box programs in California. Ca1SAFE meets bimonthly and studies important issues common to most SAFE counties. For example, in 1990, Ca1SAFE sponsored an effort to study call box access for disabled motorists, and is currently leading an effort to provide special equipment to facilitate the use of call boxes by persons with disabilities, and to extend call boxes to California's more rural counties. Other projects have included preparation of a video ex- plaining the call box program, and a special insert in the DMV vehicle registration packet. This report is a publication of Ca1SAFE. Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Complements Call Box System The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a program sponsored by Caltrans, the CHP and individual SAFEs or other local authorities to increase roadway safety, reduce motorist delays, reduce air pollution, and improve overall efficiency of freeway operations. FSPs are essentially a fleet of roving tow trucks on the lookout for stalls and accidents during peak commute hours. By rendering quick and timely assistance, FSP units help to minimize the FSP ASSISTS impacts of non-recurrent congestion on busy rush-hour freeways. Over 350 certified tow truck drivers assist 50,000 Mechanical 21% stranded motorists monthly on California freeways. Hat Tire 16% If a motorist needing assistance uses the call box to contact Out of gas 11% CHP, and if the FSP is in operation at that time, FSP is dispatched Abandoned 11% to provide routine assistance to the motorist unless more specific assistance is needed. The service commonly changes flat tires, Overheat 7% jump-starts vehicles, provides a gallon of fuel, or tows disabled Accident 7% vehicles off the highway to specified drop locations, all at no cost Electrical 60/6 to the assisted motorists.The table to the right shows the type of Debris 3°h breakdowns that occur most frequently. Other 18% STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM_M Senate Bill 565, enacted into law in October STATEWIDE FSP COVERAGE 1991, authorized the use of certain SAFE funds AREA TRUCKS MILES (those in excess of the amount needed for the gay Area 52 218 motorist-aid system of call boxes) for additional Fresno 2 10 motorist-aid related services, including the Freeway Service Patrol. The FSP program has Los Angeles 172 417 utilized these available funds; today, the FSP Orange County 30 109 program in California (except Los Angeles) is 73 Riverside 8 28 percent funded by Caltrans and 27 percent funded Capitol Valley 11 44 by participating SAFEs or other local counties. In San Diego 19 141 Los Angeles, FSP services are funded primarily by Santa Cruz 1 9 local dollars. Total 295 976 Components of Cost: Installation, Operations, Maintenance The cost to install, operate and maintain a call box program can and does vary from SAFE to SAFE in California. But all must make adequate financial provision for the following functions. CAPITAL COSTS (ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION) Call box capital costs have dropped significantly since the first California call box was installed by a SAFE in 1987. Competition, quantity purchases and technology advancements have resulted in prices dropping from a high of$4,600 per site to a low of $2,100, including installation. The portion of costs attributable solely to site installation ranges from $600 for a straightforward, level (at grade) site, to $1,000 in locations where a cut or fill with special installation is required. OPERATING COSTS Call box operating costs fall into four categories: cellular service, call answering/ dispatching, administrative and maintenance. On page 13 is a chart depicting the relative share of each of the principal operating cost components. Although they vary by SAFE, annual operating costs average $950 per call box unit. I STATE OF THE CALL BOl[ P RC+G RAM Call Box Operating Cost Components CONSULTANT INSURANCE 4°i0 I4% CALL ANSWERING/DISPATCH STAFF- 23% OVERHEAD 9% CELLULAR SERVICE KNOCKDOWNS&VANDALISM 18% 15% PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE 18% Average annual operating cost per box=$950 Based on a CalSAFE sampling of two small and two large SAFES.Note:Depreciation,FSP towing,ADA retrofit reserves,and bond costs Icor certain SAFES)are not included in these calculations. Cellular Service This is the cost of providing basic cellular service to the call box and is typically $10 per month per call box. The basic cellular access charge includes 30 to 60 free minutes per call box in aggregate for the entire system depending on individual SAFE contract details. Sub-minute billing for some SAFEs also helps to keep call costs low. Usage charges are levied by the minute for calls in excess of the free allowance and are typically 10 cents per minute. Overall, the cellular industry provides rates to California SAFEs that are one-third to one-fourth of what a "regular" mobile subscriber pays, in exchange for which cellular providers benefit from being associated with a popular public program. Because of negotiated, mutually beneficial agreements between the cellular service providers and the SAFEs, cellular network access has become the most affordable communications medium. Call Answering/Dispatching Call box legislation requires that the California Highway Patrol answer all call box calls and dispatch the appropriate service to motorists. A compensation formula has been developed which establishes the amount that each SAFE pays the CHP to perform this service.The formula is largely based on the amount of time dispatchers devote to handling call box calls. SAFE's also pay a significant portion of the development and acquisition costs of equipment used in CHP communications centers to process call box calls. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Administrative Administrative costs include: program staff salaries, legal, professional services, liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance. Insurance costs have declined dramatically since the first SAFE became operational as insurers have come to realize that the liability exposure by SAFES is much less than originally anticipated. Maintenance Included under maintenance are costs associated with: Preventive Maintenance The initial call box purchase by each SAFE agency typically includes an agreement for preventive maintenance (PM). Most SAFEs contract for PM to be conducted two times each year. During each PM visit, the contractor performs services such as: checking the overall integrity of internal components, weather tight seals, batteries, wiring harnesses, etc., and cleaning the solar panel and the outer box. Because of the high reliability of the system and its electronic components, some SAFEs have reduced the frequency of PM inspections and substituted inspections and correction of physical site conditions such as area clean-up and erosion control around the pedestrian pad. Maintenance costs are shown in Table A-4 in the Appendix. Corrective Maintenance The initial call box purchase by each SAFE agency also includes an agreement for Corrective Maintenance (CM). The CM agreement serves, in effect, as an insurance policy or extended warranty to ensure that the call box will always be operational. CM is conducted over a ten-year period on an as-needed basis for a fixed monthly rate. If any component fails or malfunctions, the maintenance contractor is responsible for repairing or replacing the failed component within defined time limits. Knockdowns Typically, three to seven percent of a SAFE's call boxes are damaged each year by vehicles. Knockdown scenarios can be vastly different, depending on the type of highway. Typically, though, the call box is hit at a relatively slow speed, minimizing the damage to the call box and its site. If the box is minimally damaged, it may still be able to self-initiate an alarm call to CHP to report that it has been "knocked down." In cases STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM when there is a record of the accident and the driver has insurance, a SAFE is usually able to recover damages to the call box and site. Vandalism The majority of vandalism to call boxes is graffiti. Vandals "tag" call box signs and call boxes just as they tag "Special surveillance other public and private property. Some SAFES are now using call box signs with a special coating that facilitates techniques guard the removal of spray paint without damaging the signs. Other forms of vandalism include call box users who against cellular fraud damage handsets, call buttons, instruction labels, or any and unauthorized other item that might attract attention.. There have been incidences of solar panel thefts, and use of call boxes." cases where internal components, or entire call boxes have been removed. As a safeguard against theft, each call box has a built-in automatic alarm that immediately notifies the CHP when unauthorized entry into the call box is attempted, or when the integrity of an external component such as the solar panel is compromised. The same "tilt" alarm that notifies CHP when a call box is knocked down also notifies the CHP of a "tilt condition" when the entire call box is being stolen. Other forms of theft or vandalism include electronic interception of cellular identification numbers, allowing the perpetrator to clone the call box and place fraudulent calls..Cellular service providers employ special surveillance techniques to guard against this fraud and protect the SAFEs from incurring charges due to fraudulent calls. e 0 0 i STATEOF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM CALL BOX BENEFITS As part of an integrated motorist-aid system, California's call boxes deliver a number of key benefits to the state's motorists. With almost 4,000 calls per day from over 15,000 call boxes, the system is getting a good workout. California motorists know the call boxes are there if needed, and they clearly value and appreciate the service.This section details some of the principal user benefits. Call Boxes as a Safety Net - k In spite of today's reliable vehicles, improved highway conditions and relatively good weather in AL-238-147 California, motorists' vehicles still breakdown, — overheat, run out of gas, and have flat tires. - Fortunately, the majority of disabled vehicles, approximately 75 percent, are able to make it to the right shoulder of the roadway where call boxes are installed. From there, motorists can quickly summon help, thereby reducing their exposure to i the dangers of the highway shoulder environment. As plentiful as mobile cellular telephones seem to be, typically only seven out of 100 motorists have – them. Motorists with cellular phones may call to report that someone is stranded along the freeway, but often times that caller can't relate the exact location of the stranded motorist or the motorist's specific problem, making it difficult for the CHP to locate and properly respond to the incident. Call boxes provide a "safety net" for motorists in other areas as well. When assistance is needed, nearby help is only a phone call away. To cite a particularly dramatic instance, one of America's ten most wanted criminals was apprehended when an alert citizen used a call box to tip off authorities. After spotting the suspect standing near a freeway off-ramp, the motorist pulled over at the next call box and contacted the CHP, who responded quickly to nab the criminal. Another case was reported in which a mother and her children were kidnapped outside of California. The kidnapper was driving through California and ran out of gas. He left the kidnapped family in his car, threatened them against leaving, then walked to an off-ramp to get gas. In this case, the mother left the car,walked to a nearby call box and called the CHP. STATE OF TME CALL BOX PROGRAM Rapid Incident Detection and Response By providing motorists with a means to get appropriate help quickly, call boxes help to clear up most roadside situations in a matter of minutes instead of hours.This helps to keep traffic moving normally. In the event of a more serious situation, a call from a call box can alert CHP dispatchers to impending congestion due to a disabled vehicle, or to a possible lane closure as a result of an accident. CHP can quickly react with an appropriate response to mitigate any traffic repercussions as a result of the incident. In rural areas, the average call box is used less frequently than is its urban cousin, but it plays an even more crucial role in providing a notification system that can summon help quickly in life-threatening situations. According to a June 1994 Federal Highway Administration report, urban areas account for 59 percent of the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the United States and 39 percent of the fatal accidents. Rural areas, on the other hand, account for only 41 percent of the VMT, but 61 percent of the fatal accidents. Rural Areas Experience a Disproportionate Average Elapsed Time for Emergency Number of Fatal Accidents: Medical Services: Vehicle Miles Traveled vs.Fatal Accidents in U.S. Rural vs.Urban Fatal Crashes in U.S. 100 35 '6 90 - 30 - go - 70- 030Oo70 25 24.3 59,E 61%60 20 5D 41%40- 139% 15 11.3 30 10 9.5 6.4 20 51 5 to- 0— 0 r r Rural ❑ Urban E Notification ❑Response E Transport to hospital Source:Interim Findings,Rural Advanced Traveler Information Systems(ATIS)Study,Federal Highway Administration,June 1994. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM In other words, rural areas experience a lower percentage of vehicle miles traveled, but a higher percentage of fatal accidents. Passing motorists driving on urban highways can assist in notifying emergency service providers when an accident occurs by stopping to use a call box, or by using their cellular phones. However, accidents in rural areas can go undetected and unreported due to scarcity of traffic and communications coverage. In such an environment, call boxes provide an invaluable service. Improved Use of Other Resources In patrolling the state's highway system, California Highway Patrol officers will come to the aid of a motorist in need of routine assistance or emergency service. If a CHP traffic officer spots a stranded motorist while driving a beat, the officer will stop to offer assistance. After stopping, the officer has to determine the exact nature of the problem and radio the dispatch center to send the appropriate service. But, if the stranded motorist has already used a call box, the CHP officer may not be needed at the scene. The officer is in radio contact with the dispatcher who can confirm that the motorist is being assisted by a private service provider. In the event an officer is needed at the scene, the arriving officer knows the exact nature of the situation before stopping. Thus, because it provides a mechanism for dealing with ordinary, nonemergency travel incidents, the call box system frees uniformed CHP officers for higher priority law enforcement assignments. If a CHP officer does not have to stop for a routine service situation where a tow truck is needed and on its way, the officer is free to respond to other more critical situations that may need an officer's assistance. Also, fewer patrol cars stopped along the freeway enhance the flow of traffic. The usual motorist reaction to a "black and white" stopped along the shoulder is to reduce speed suddenly, thereby increasing the chance of a chain reaction that can lead to an accident or to increased congestion due to drivers' "rubbernecking." Better Traffic Management Reduces Congestion The urban call box is used nine out of ten times to request assistance for routine vehicle breakdowns and one out of ten times for situations that require immediate or emergency response assistance to motorists. In both cases, the call box provides a means of speedier notification to CHP, resulting in a quick and accurate response to the scene. Quickly removing motorists and vehicles from the roadway significantly reduces the back up queue that can result when stranded motorists stand along side their vehicles waiting for assistance. STATE OF TME CALL BOX PpOG RAM Vehicles stopped alongside the roadway can cause distractions resulting in congestion or accidents. Caltrans and CHP report that timely clearing of incidents not only helps the stranded motorists, but contributes generally to keeping the highway system running at capacity. Studies show that 60 percent of California's non-recurring congestion is due to incidents; therefore, those systems that can quickly mitigate an incident work directly to maintain throughput on the highway system. The aggregated reductions in many individual delays directly benefit all those who use public highways, including public, private and business users. The Systems Approach In many SAFE jurisdictions, call CALL BOX FUNCTIONS URBAN boxes are complemented by Freeway Service Patrols. The combination of call Motorist Safety A • boxes to detect and report incidents and Freeway Service Patrols to respond to these Incident Detection A A incidents is highly effective and more beneficial than either strategy alone. Congestion Relief A Transportation professionals in California have visions of developing Traffic Management innovative management strategies to help Emergency Notification A reduce congestion, improve air quality and conserve energy. One such strategy is to create partnerships between Caltrans, CHP, local government, regional transportation providers and private industry to develop new funding and technology solutions. The California call box program has already demonstrated the value of such partnerships The systems approach, combined with the use of advanced technology, offers a powerful set of solutions to everyday problems such as freeway incidents. In this approach, those elements offering the most return for the investment are combined in such a way that total return is highest, as is the case in the combination of the call box system and the Freeway Service Patrol. The public benefits from reduced congestion and improved air quality, while the ability of the transportation system to efficiently and effectively move people,goods and information around the state is enhanced. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Benefits Generate Public Support The implementation of the SAFE program has resulted in broad political and motorist support in urban areas where systems are available. Local and regional SAFES conduct effective public information programs to explain the benefits and proper use of their respective systems. For the average motorist in a county with call boxes, a $1 annual vehicle registration fee for a 24-hour roadside communications network is generally perceived as a sound investment. For motorists who have had a need to use a call box, or have had a family member who needed to use a call box, it is definitely considered a sound investment. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES Statewide Standardization One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the California SAFE program compared to similar programs in other states has been the development of standard operational and technical specifications across the state. These standard specifications have lowered equipment acquisition costs to less than one-third average acquisition costs in other states, without having to sacrifice local control over program policy. The specifications have also facilitated development by the CHP of a common communications center capability for the handling of call box calls and the dispatching of services. These characteristics provide the basis for further extending the utility of call boxes and prolonging their useful life. Partnerships The development of the call box system in California has put in place public and private partnerships throughout the state, with call box vendors and cellular carriers on the private side, and numerous local and regional transportation agencies (both federally-designated Metropolitan Planning Organizations and state-designated Regional Transportation Planning Agencies) and state agencies on the public side. State agencies mSTATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM such as Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol have also played critical roles in standardization efforts and in providing appropriate support services such as highway facility engineering and call answering. The partnerships established during call box program implementation have helped to speed deployment of the Freeway Service Patrols (FSP) in the largest urban areas within California. FSPs are in many instances managed and partially funded by the same entities managing the SAFE program; this is no accident, since the SAFE and FSP programs are seen as mutually supportive and complementary motorist-aid programs. Call Box Improvements The benefits of system standardization have not been realized at the expense of innovation in the call box program. Key enhancements of the original call box design include the addition of a light on the call box signaling that the call has been answered by a dispatcher, and the addition of a feature which gives the dispatcher the ability to control the volume (loudness) of the call box phone. Broadening the purpose of the call box to encompass additional motorist-aid functions is also a program focus. Impetus to expand call box utility was provided by the Intermodal Surface Transportation "The development of Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. The act included emphasis and funding for the development of an standard call box Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). (See "Future Directions"for more on ITS deployment.) specifications has Impetus was also provided by 1990 California lowered equipment legislation (SB 565) that allowed SAFE revenues to be expended for additional motorist services. Several SAFES acquisition costs." have used, or are planning to use federal ITS and local SAFE funds to test the expansion of call box functionality. Call boxes have been tested that incorporate traffic counters and weather stations.These functions will be deployed in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties early in 1996. Information from these traffic counters and weather sensor sources can then be transmitted to motorists via changeable message signs, or other receiving devices as well as sent directly to Transportation Management Centers. Other data collected from call boxes can significantly enhance the transportation planning and modeling process by increasing the quantity and quality of basic traffic input data. STATE OF THE GALL BOX PROGRAM Call Answering Service The California Highway Patrol is responsible for answering all call box calls, and it performs this function at 14 different communications centers throughout the state. Determining acceptable costs for this service and an acceptable level of service in the handling of calls has been and continues to be an issue of special concern to the SAFEs. The importance of the issue varies among the SAFES, but appears to be greatest in the larger communication centers — particularly Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and San Diego. _ z The formula by which SAFEs compensate CHP � for answering call box calls has provided funds for additional CHP dispatchers, but it does not directly address level of service (LOS) requirements, which are affected by factors outside the call box system. In particular, growth in the number of cellular telephone users has placed great strain on the CHP's communications centers, and this has naturally affected the CHP's ability to handle calls from call box users. Under the CRP's current call-priority classifications, call box calls are answered as priority-three calls and must compete with priority-one mobile cellular 911 calls and priority-two calls from other law enforcement agencies. While call box call levels have remained relatively stable statewide over the past two years, the number of calls from cellular users is growing along with the number of registered cellular phones. In particular, cellular 911 calls have increased dramatically. Mobile cellular 911 calls are generated for many reasons, ranging from drivers who report debris on the roadway to those who report other motorists in need of assistance. Mobile cellular callers also report other drivers who may be exceeding the speed limit, appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who are driving recklessly or otherwise causing dangerous situations on the freeways. Because mobile cellular 911 calls are no-cost calls, motorists make calls when they otherwise might not if the calls were not free. Some cellular carriers are considering charges for mobile cellular 911 calls. Lately, due to the proliferation of hand-held cellular phones, individuals are making calls from their homes or other non-mobile locations and expecting to contact residential 911. When this situation arises, CHP must transfer the call to the appropriate service provider. To cope with the effects of this surge in higher priority calls to CHP personnel, SAFEs and the CHP are investigating alternative approaches. Los Angeles County SAFE STATE OF THE CALL BOX PpOG pAM is currently using, and evaluating the costs and benefits of, a dedicated CHP communications center operator staff to answer call box calls; this solution would be viable only in communications centers in Los Angeles and in the San Francisco Bay Area, however. San Diego SAFE is exploring an alternative that includes switching excessively delayed calls to a private contractor for call answering service. Other proposed call answering improvements are being studied by the CHP. The issue of acceptable level of service (LOS) remains unresolved. CHP internal guidelines and SAFE contractual standards describe desired performance in the simplest of terms, i.e., that call box calls shall be answered within 60 seconds. Some have suggested that a performance-standard approach that stipulates, for example, that call box calls should be answered within 60 seconds 90 percent of the time, would provide a more effective method for measuring system performance. With such an objective performance standard, operational data can be analyzed to determine how well the goal is being met. Call Box Access: Complying with the Americans with Disablilities Act Just as, a decade ago, the framers of California's call box program could not have envisioned the exploding popularity of cellular telephones, and their impact on can box operations, neither could they have foreseen the passage of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the resulting need to ensure disabled motorists' access to call box services. In recent years, however, SAFEs have mounted a major effort to comply with the access requirements of the ADA- Access DAAccess to call boxes by persons with disabilities affects two major and distinct groups: those who have mobility impairments, and those who have speech and/or hearing impairments. Early study efforts for improving access for disabled persons y � focused on state guidelines which provided no specific guidance for motorist-aid systems, but did provide general guidance regarding telephone handset design, cord length and height of the call box. All California call boxes have been installed with these general guidelines in mind. The California SAFE Committee has analyzed ^«. and investigated barriers to access for persons with T STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM L disabilities. The analyses concluded that providing physical access to call boxes for persons with disabilities was inviting a high degree of risk for those persons, given the inherent dangers of the roadside environment. As an alternative to call box site modification, the report proposed providing disabled individuals with modified, two-button cellular phones or other remote access devices. These devices would 7SA e California activate the nearest call box, and could be used to contact a CHP communications center when roadside assistance E pYOgram is required. The state's Deaf and Disabled Telecommuni- supports improved cations Program and volunteer committee members endorsed these alternatives and provided useful inputs access by persons regarding programs for the distribution of these devices, which would provide access to the motorist-aid service, if with disabilities." not to the call box itself. The language of the ADA, however, implied that alternative access to the service (service being the ability to contact CHP) may not be in compliance with legislative intent. A series of hearings on this subject were held around the U.S. in March 1993. California SAFEs, the CHP and Caltrans representatives submitted testimony on the proposed rules, recommending that the ADA regulations and accessibility guidelines allow for the option of alternative access methods so that motorists with disabilities can access the motorist-aid service when physical accessibility is not feasible. As of the date of this report, a final regulatory ruling on the issue has not yet been made. In spite of the uncertainties, some individual SAFE organizations initiated independent and varying solutions for addressing access to call boxes. Many SAFEs completed site surveys and inventory studies to determine exact conditions and barriers to access at each call box site. Other actions included distribution of cellular phones for the mobility impaired and the testing of Text Telephones in call boxes for the speech/hearing impaired. One SAFE agency began development efforts to design electronic access using a hand-held device that would allow motorists to communicate with the call boxes from their vehicles. However, development was halted pending final resolution of the access issue. The California SAFE program supports improved access by persons with disabilities. With advisory participation from disabled individuals, SAFEs have undertaken and continue to sponsor studies, plans, and demonstration programs to seek out cost- effective and usable solutions to improved access to motorist-aid services. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM FUTURE DIRECT ION S Statewide Call Box Coverage The currently legislated SAFE program has been adopted by'29 of California's 58 counties. In almost every case, those counties adopting the SAFE program have sufficient registered vehicles to either be self-supporting or to be supportable within a regional program. The two regional programs in operation are the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) SAFE which owns and operates nearly 3,000 call boxes covering nine counties in the Bay Area, and the Capitol Valley Regional (CVR) SAFE which owns and operates over 1,200 call boxes in five counties in the Sacramento Area. Both the MTC SAFE and the CVR SAFE support counties with low registrations that would otherwise have insufficient registration revenues to purchase, operate and maintain call box systems. The California SAFE Committee (CaISAFE), Caltrans and CHP are working together to design a "statewide backbone program" that will cover vital highways in those counties too small to independently fund a SAFE program. Thus far, the backbone concept has been promoted and researched by the MTC SAFE and "A statewide Caltrans headquarters with the intent of creating a ' legislative proposal. `backbone progYam Many miles of interstate and state highways are not is needed to install covered by the SAFE program. Among the most heavily used of these highways are: in central California, U.S. boxes on rural Highway 101, U.S. Highway 395, Interstate 5 and State Route 99; in northern California, U.S. Highway 101 and highways." Interstate 5; as well as Interstate 8in Imperial County and Interstate 80 in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A handful of the smaller counties have started Adopt A Call Box programs to cover locally traveled roads, but it is not expected that this program will provide the necessary coverage for major state and U.S.routes. STATE OF THE GALL BOX PROGRAM Smart Call Box Demonstration The California SAFE program has proven over time that strong management encourages innovation. In October 1992 a proposal was submitted to the Federal Highway s Administration by a public-private partnership in San Diego s County to test the concept of using call boxes for applications other than motorist-aid communications. Acceptance of the so-called "smart" call box proposal was announced in January 1993, when FHWA awarded $915,000 toward the project. The federal grant award was matched by $293,000 in Caltrans headquarters funding and local match funding from private industry involved in supporting the project. Public partners include FHWA, San Diego SAFE, CHP Border Division in San Diego, Caltrans District 11 in San Diego, and Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento. San Diego State University is providing independent evaluation acting on behalf of the California Partners For Advanced Transportation and Highways (PATH). The purpose of the test is to evaluate whether the call box's use of microprocessor control, solar power and cellular communications would support applications such as traffic census, incident detection, weather hazard detection, variable message sign control and closed-circuit TV camera surveillance. Since commencement of the smart call box test, San Bernardino and Riverside County SAFES have demonstrated the viability of traffic census and weather hazard detection applications with locally funded field tests. Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) SAFE in the Bay Area intends to further evaluate these concepts with a locally funded test program. MTC will try to assess the impact that supplemental call box applications would have on the Caltrans District 4 Transportation Management Center and on advanced traveler information systems such as MTC's TravInfo project. A smaller version of smart call box, also supported by federal funds, will be evaluated in Sutter County under direction of the Capitol Valley Regional SAFE. The common strategy underlying these tests is to separate the beneficial applications from those that do not make economic or operational sense. The California call box has a clear potential beyond its basic task of providing a means for motorists to call for help. The challenge is to see how far this capability can be stretched and whether or not the call box terminal can play a viable role in future deployments of the STATE OF THE CALL BOX PpOGpAM federally sponsored Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). In this sense, a call box- based sensor network is one of many tools in a local ITS architecture.As such it must be integrated into an overall system concept in which the unique capabilities of this device can complement other traffic management and traveler information components. System Management SAFEs have traditionally evaluated call box system performance quantitatively, by analyzing basic call data and tracking call volume trends by travel corridor and time of day. Increasingly, though, SAFEs are also looking for ways to measure the quality of service provided by those who contribute to the operation and success of the system, namely the maintenance provider, CHP answering and dispatching "Devices that personnel, and the cellular service provider. This trend toward more comprehensive system performance integrate into call measurements will continue. boxes and assist in SAFEs have also been the primary managers of the call box system, with Caltrans and CHP involved to the traffic counting, extent required by legislation. Local CHP and Caltrans agencies provided more or less involvement depending on video surveillance, relationships and staff time available. As the new transportation management centers begin their weather detection and operations, Caltrans and CHP must take actions to motorist warnings. incorporate call boxes as an integral part of their highway and transportation management responsibilities. There are being tested." are many opportunities on the technical side to improve call boxes, and SAFEs will need to accomplish major retrofits in the next few years if call boxes are to become viable contributors to the evolving Intelligent Transportation System.architecture. There is a need for statewide consistency as SAFEs begin to expand the roles of call boxes to support ITS and traffic management. Devices that integrate into call boxes and assist in traffic counting, video surveillance, inclement weather detection, and motorist warnings through links to changeable message signs are being tested. The resulting utility and feasibility of these devices will require that CHP and Caltrans assume greater roles in helping the SAFEs to integrate these applications into Traffic Management Center operations. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Opportunities for statewide collaboration among SAFEs — such as the earlier= mentioned, Ca1SAFE-produced public information video and the special insert in the Department of Motor Vehicles' vehicle registration packet — will also be explored. Future projects could include Ca1SAFE-sponsored joint demonstration projects, pooled patent searches and perhaps an investigation into the feasibility of forming self-'insurance pools for liability coverage. Next Generation Call Box The foregoing developments in the California SAFE program have underscored the need to develop specifications for a "next generation" call box. This roadside device could incorporate not only intelligent transportation system functions, but will improve accessibility by the physically challenged motorist community, simplify use for all motorists.and reduce long term operational costs. New call boxes could also be designed to incorporate developing modes of wireless communications such as digital cellular and the radio-based Personal CommunicationsService.As.is the case with today's call boxes,. the next generation call box must be designed.with a common set of specifications that can be used throughout the state and that will provide all the economic advantages of the:current design.. SAFE STATE DF'THE:CAL"L BOX PROGRAM - ! 4 A P P E N D I X 7 Tab 'A='i. Galifo'n a:Motorist=Ai L System;Qvr ryiew TAble A,2 Call Box System•Og%r`atio_gial _P'offile Tabl®:.A=3. H gWm ay Coyerage. and.Calf Boz'Spacing T_abl®A-4• Call'Box�SysteFn,MaMt®trance. Profile _ TiMle A=&, Call Box'System Call.ResPaonse.Profile! ; tadble.14.6• Ca1G 13ox WWhway Installation,Surnpnary M—rr the M. r. STATEOF'THE CALL BOX PROGRAM. C a l i f o r n i a Motorist - Aid System Overview (SAFES listed by date of formation) SAFE Managing SAFE First Funding Registered Total Average Total Freeway SAFE FSO counlyyRolion Agency Program Sites Sources Vehicles Sites Castpor Hwy Service Funds Tow Established Installed Site Miles Patrol for FSP Trucks San Diego San Diego County 1986 1988 DMV 1,945,684 =$3250 Yes No 19 Department of Public Warks Orange Orange County 1986 1987 OMIO/Bandz 2040,000 1.018 $4,610 175 Yes Yes 30 Transportation Authority Ventura Ventura County 1966 1990 OMV/Bond3 571,708 510 $2,300 221 No WA 0 Transportation Commission Riverside Riverside County 1987 1910 DMV 961291 1,100 SZ700 657 Yes Yes 8 Transportation Commission San Bernardino San Bernardino 1107 1990 OMV 1,114,176 1,682 SZ700 1,163 No WA 0 Associated Governments Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County 1987 1991 DMV/Bond 201,168 119 $2,310 10 Yes Yes 1 Regional Transportation Commission Santa Barbara Santa Barbara 1987 1991 DMV 304,848 332 SZ700 194 No WA 0 Association of Governments Bay Area Metropolitan 1998 1990 DMV 5,114,931 2927 SZ400 1,177 Yes Yes 52 Transportation Commission Kent Kern Motorist 1988 1991 DMV 463,096 525 SZ650 772 No WA 0 Aid AuOmrity Los Angeles Metropolitan 1988 1992 DMV 6,099,418 4,343 SZ110 743 Yes Yes 172 Transportation Authority Capitol Valley Sacramento Area 1991 1994 DMV/Bond 1,475,427 1,172 52,250 641 No N/A 11 Council of Governments Del Norte Del Norte local 1993 1994 0MV 2ZI93 2 $3,995 2 No WA 0 Transportation Commission Humboldt Humboldt County 1993 1993 DMV 120,730 5 $3,995 3 No WA 0 Association of Governments Lake lake County/City Area 1993 1993 DMV 65,936 3 $3,995 3 Na Planning Council TOTALS t , t 293 1-Department of Motor Vehicles registration revenues 2-Local bond issue,repaid by DMV funds 3-PVEA-Petroleum Violation Escrow Account Note:SAFES have also been formed by Imperial County(in 1988).Mendocino County(in 1994)and Glenn County fin 7995/. These SAFEs are not yet operational;they are collecting revenues until funds are sufficient to install a system. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Call Box System Operational Profile ( 7 / 94-6/95 ) (SAFES listed by date of formation) MONTHLYSAFE SYSTEM CHP ANNUAL 1NTHLY MONTHLY MONTHLY County/Region Total Sites Answering Total Calls Average System Cellular Cellular Access 6/95 Positions Calls Average Access Fees Free Minutes Calls per Box per Site per Site San Diego 1,663 8 162,800 13,566 8.2 $10.00 35 Orange 1,018 6 114,887 9,574 9.4 $11.50 65 Ventura 500 2 28,000 2,333 4.6 $15.00 60 Riverside 1,090 2.6 86,294 7,191 6.7 $8.50 35 San Bernardino 1,682 3.4 138,156 11,513 6.8 $8.00 35 Santa Cruz 119 .5 8,200 683 5.7 $6.50 45 Santa Barbara 332 1.5 14,739 1,228 3.7 $10.00 65 Bay Area 2,927 6.5 189,000 15,790 5.4 $12.00 45 Kern 525 1.25 25,872 2,156 4.1 $8.50 65 Los Angeles 4,343 33 506,095 42,175 9.7 $10.50 65 Capitol Valley 1,172 6 84,640 7,053 6 $8.25 35 Del Norte 2 0 91 8 4 $9.95 N/A Humboldt 5 0 N/A 5 1.7 $9.95 N/A Lake 3 0 N/A 5 1.7 $15.00 N/A TOTALSI .I Note:SAFES have also been formed by Imperial County lin 1988),Mendocino County(in 1994)and Glenn County lin 1995). These SAFES are not yet operational,,they are collecting revenues until funds are sufficient to install a system. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Highway Coverage and Call Box Spacing (SAFES listed by date of formation) TotalSAFE Counties System County/Region mile mile mile San Diego 1 1,663 499 280 228 1,383 271 1,383 280 0 Orange 1 1,018 175 11 20 1,007 155 1,007 0 11 Ventura 1 500 221 150 125 350 96 300 200 0 Riverside 1 1,090 657 698 439 392 218 451 581 58 San Bernardino 1 1,682 1,163 1,142 934 540 229 894 396 392 Santa Cruz 1 119 80 52 28 67 52 0 59 60 Santa Barbara 1 332 194 192 124 140 70 118 198 16 Bay Area 9 2,927 1,177 300 509 2,627 668 937 1,433 557 Kern 1 525 772 477 680 48 92 0 96 429 Los Angeles 1 4,343 743 152 259 4,191 484 4,191 0 152 Capitol Valley 5 1,172 641 772 438 400 203 0 1,100 72 Del Norte 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 Humboldt 1 5 3 5 3 0 0 0 0 5 Lake 1 3 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 3 TOTALS 1 4,236 3,792 11,145 2,538 9,281 4,343 1,757 Note:SAFES have also been formed by Imperial County(in 1988),Mendocino County(in]994)and Glenn County(in 1995). These SAFES are not yet operational;they are collecting revenues until funds are sufficient to install a system. M STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Ing Call Box System Maintenance Profile ( 7/94-6/95 ) (SAFES listed by date of formation) SAFE Installed Annual Annual Annual Annual County/Region Sites as of Knockdown Knockdown Vandalism Vandalism 6/95 Events Maintenance Costs Events maintenance Costs San Diego 1,663 100 $120,000 300 $18,000 Orange 1,018 113 $111,000 238 $17,729 Ventura 500 27 $14,000 3 $3,000 Riverside 1,090 66 $84,100 219 $21,150 San Bernardino 1,682 76 $99,000 19 $53,275 Santa Cruz 119 3 $2,804 41 $19,773 Santa Barbara 332 14 $24,345 38 $8,280 Bay Area 2,927 180 $182,000 150 $35,000 Kern 525 25 $30,621 38 $7,817 Los Angeles 4,343 390 $444,911 1,502 $85,569 Capitol Valley 1,172 53 $53,000 123 $49,000 Del Norte 2 0 $0 0 $0 Humboldt 5 0 $0 0 $0 Lake 3 0 $0 1 $1,200 TOTALS 15,381 I' S11,165,7811 2,732 S3119,793 Note:SAFES have also been formed by Imperial County(in 1988).Mendocino County(in 1994)and Glenn County(in 1995). These SAFES are not yet operational,they are collecting revenues until funds are sufficient to install a system. STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM Call Box System Call Response Profile (7/94-6/95) (SAFES listed by date of formation) EquipmentSAFE System Average CHP Number of Number of Average CountV/Region Tota I Calls per Dispatch S ite Incoming Paid Call Suite Sites 6/95 Month Location(s) Phone Answering Duration Lines Positions in Seconds San Diego 1,663 13,566 San Diego 4 8 245 CAD/ACD2 Orange 1,018 9,574 Santa Ana 6 6 222 CAD' Ventura 500 2,333 Ventura 3 2 180 CAD/ACD Riverside 1,090 7,191 Inland,Indio 5 3.6 244 CAD/ACD San Bernardino 1,682 11,513 Inland,Barstow, 5 3.4 269 CAD/ACD Indio Santa Cruz 119 683 Monterey 2 .5 120 ACD Santa Barbara 332 1,228 Ventura, 5 1.5 180 ACD San Luis Obispo Bay Area 2,927 15,790 Vallejo 28 12 229 CAD/ACD Kern 525 2,156 Bakersfield,Barstow 4 1 240 CAD/ACD Los Angeles 4,343 42,175 Los Angeles 14 33 299 CAD Capitol Valley 1,172 7,053 Sacramento, 9 6 204 CAD/TMIS3 Stockton,Chico Del Norte 2 8 Humboldt 1 .0016 N/A None Humboldt 5 5 Humboldt 1 .005 N/A None Lake 3 5 Ukiah 1 .005 N/A None TOTALS ;0 88 77.012 I-CAD-Computer Aided Dispatch 2-ACD-Automatic Call Distributor 3-TM1S-Telephone Management Imormation System Note:SAFES have also been formed by Imperial County(in 1988).Mendocino County lin 19941 and Glenn County(in 1995). These SAFES are not yet operational,they are collecting revenues until funds are sufficient to install a system. STATE OF TME GALL BOX PROGRAM TABLE A-6 Call Box Highway Installation Summary for the U.S. (1994 data) State Tota I#of Datalloice Technology BoxesCall Alaska 4 Voice Conventional Radio Arizona 12/14 Voice Cellular/Cellular California 15,381/699 Voice/Data Cellular/Hardwire Colorado 37/54/9/103 Data/Voice/Voice/Voice Push-button/ Hardwire/Cellular/Cellular Connecticut 16 Voice Cellular Delaware 150 Data Push-button Florida 2,742 Data Push-button Hawaii 131 Voice Cellular Illinois 310 Data Push-button Louisiana 338 Data Push-button Massachusetts 840 Data Push-button Michigan 4 Voice Cellular Minnesota 90/37 Data Push-button New Jersey 300/94/4 Voice/Data Trunked Radio/ Push-button/Cellular New York 64/863 Voice Narrowband Trunked Radio/Cellular North Carolina 22 Voice Hardwire Ohio 30 GTEVoice Cellular Pennsylvania 1,040 Data Push-button Rhode Island 298 Data Push-button Texas 118 Voice Cellular Wash.DC 22 Voice Cellular Washington 43/100 Voice Cellular/Hardwire TOTAL 23,969 STATE OF THE GALL BOX PROGRAM l CALL BOX PROGRAM CONTACTS Capitol Valley Regional SAFE Mendocino SAFE San Diego SAFE Joanne Koegel,David Young Trina Green Michael Perkins or Patricia Honeycutt or Doug Reed 215 Standey Street 5555 Overland Avenue IMS 0333) 3000 S Street,Suite 300 Ukiah,California 95482 San Diego,California 92123-1295 Sacramento,California 95816 707/463-4470,Fax 707/468-8398 619/694-2190,Fax 619/694-8914 916/457-2264,Fax 916/547-3299 Metropolitan Transportation Santa Barbara Association Del Norte County SAFE Authority SAFE of Governments SAFE Kathryn Mathews Diane Perrine or Ken Coleman Robert Perkins 207 Price Mall,#300 1 Gateway Plaza 222 East Anapamu Street,Suite 11 Crescent City,California 95531 Los Angeles,California 90012 Santa Barbara,California 93101 707/465-3878,Fax 707/465-6008 213/922-6000,Fax 213/922-2955 805/568-2546,Fax 805/568-2947 Glenn County SAFE Metropolitan Transportation Santa Cruz County Regional Gloria Weems Commission SAFE Transportation Commission SAFE 777 North Colusa Street Wes Wells,Victor Beauchamp Linda Wilshusen or Luis Mendez Willows,California 95988 or Steve Devine 701 Ocean Street,Room 220 916/934-6530,Fax 916/934-6533 101 8th Street,3rd Floor Santa Cruz,California 95060-4071 Oakland,California 94607-4700 408/454-2340,Fax 408/454-3033 Humboldt County SAFE 510/464-7700,Fax 510/464-7848 Spencer Clifton Ventura County Transportation 235 4th Street,Suite F Orange County Transportation Commission SAFE Eureka,California 95501 Authority SAFE Chris Stephens or Carlos Hernandez Liz Mahoney 707/444-8208,Fax 707/444-8319 900 County Square Drive,Suite 207 550 South Main Street Ventura,California 93003 Orange,California 92613-1584 805/642-1591,Fax 805/642-4860 Imperial County SAFE 714/560-5967,Fax 714/560-5980 Harry Orfanos or Mary Ellen Rebik 155 South 11th Street California Highway Patrol Riverside County Transportation Maricela Pancake EI Centro,California 92243 Commission SAFE Telecommunications Section 619/339-4462,Fax 619/352-1272 Hideo Sugita or Jerry Rivera P.O.Box 942898 Kem Motorist Aid Authority 3560 University Avenue,Suite 100 Sacramento,California 94298 Riverside,California 92501 Ron Brummett or Darrel Hildebrand 916/657-7235,Fax 916/657-7419 1401 19th Street,Suite 300 909/787-7141,Fax 909/787-7920 TDD/TTY 800-735-2929 Bakersfield,California 93301 San Bernardino Associated 805/861-2191,Fax 805/324-8215 Governments SAFE Calif.Dept.of Transportation Kerry Forsythe or Lisa Poe (Caltrans) Lake County SAFE 472 North Arrowhead Avenue Donald E.Howe,P.E. Bill Kranz San Bernardino,California 92401 Division of Traffic Operations 160 5th Street 909/884-8276,Fax 909/885-4407 1120 N Street,Mail Stop 36 Lakeport,California 95453 Sacramento,California 95814 707/263-1600,Fax 707/263-1826 916/654-3318,Fax 916/653-3055 TDD/TTY 800-735-2929 STATE OF THE CALL BOX PROGRAM 1 _ uIP • � - 1. � � .. - � � � •�1��• rafiraw et r � 1 ..of • .� � ' • t SAFE - t 1 ' i a �« t �- to