The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is set to remove all 427 emergency call boxes from county highways by September 1, 2025. The decision comes as call box usage has significantly declined, with only 849 calls made in 2024 compared to 5,800 in 2005, an 85% drop. This decline is largely attributed to the widespread use of personal cell phones.
VCTC, which acts as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies, announced the decision in May. The call boxes, which operated on the AT&T 4G cellular network, provided a direct line to California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatch for motorists needing roadside assistance. However, maintenance issues and the suspension of preventive maintenance inspections by the state’s sole call box maintenance service contractor also contributed to the decision to end the program.
The annual cost of operating the call box system ranges from $350,000 to $400,000, funded by a $1 vehicle registration fee collected from motorists in Ventura County. By discontinuing the call box program, VCTC plans to reallocate these funds to alternative motorist assistance services. Options under consideration include enhancing the Freeway Service Patrol program, which offers no-cost roadside assistance, and increasing signage for the SoCal 511 emergency phone call system.
VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson emphasized the importance of using financial resources responsibly, stating, “By ending the call box system, VCTC will be able to redirect those cost savings into programs that provide a greater benefit to motorists.” The commission will continue to evaluate alternatives to ensure motorists receive necessary roadside assistance.
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