Kern Motorist Aid AuthorityKern Motorist Aid Authority

Services And Operations

Legal AuthorityLegal Authority

California Streets and Highways Code section 2550 et. Seq.

CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines

Local policy and direction

The PlayersThe Players

Local SAFE Agency (Kern COG) Caltrans California Highway Patrol Cellular service provider (A T & T) Hardware manufacturer (Comarco) Hardware maintenance service provider

(Comarco) Call answer service provider (CHP)

Mission StatementMission Statement

To provide a dependable motorist aid communication system to areas of the county not heavily patrolled and where traditional communication services do not exist.

Mission StatementMission Statement

To provide a reliable motorist aid communication system that is well maintained with failures repaired within 24 hours.

Mission StatementMission Statement

To provide a high level of assurance that a motorist’s call for assistance will receive a response.

Mission StatementMission Statement

To provide a public information program to ensure that the motorist understands what the call boxes are and how the call boxes are to be used.

Network MapNetwork Map

    

 

Call Volume TrendsCall Volume Trends

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

FY94/95

FY96/97

FY98/99

FY00/01

Total Calls

RevenuesRevenues

$550,000

$560,000

$570,000

$580,000

$590,000

$600,000

$610,000

$620,000

FY99/00

FY01/02

Revenue

Source: $1 vehicle registration fee and interest on cash balances

ExpensesExpenses

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

FY99/00

FY00/01

FY01/02

FY02/03

Communications

Insurance

Maintenance

Services

Administration

Depreciation

General ObservationsGeneral Observations Network total of 557 call boxes over 793 road

miles Spacing is 1 mile in urban areas and 2 miles in

rural areas Average annual total operating cost is $1,070 per

box Average monthly cellular cost $8.50 per box Average annual maintenance cost is $300 per box Average capital cost is approx. $3,500 per box All state and interstate routes served. One(1)

county commuter route served.

Current Major IssuesCurrent Major Issues

Decline in total annual calls and reorientation of service priorities

Conversion of cellular hardware from analog to digital technology

ADA accessibilityHardware safety and crash testingPrivatization of call answering

              

        

Additional ServicesAdditional ServicesChangeable message signsLighting for call boxesSupport for traffic operations centersContracting for the removal of disabled

vehiclesAcquisition of traffic safety equipmentService on county roadsSupport for traveler information systems

Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers