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Home / News / Roadside Emergency Call Box System No Longer in Service

Roadside Emergency Call Box System No Longer in Service

Published July 30, 2026

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

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

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

About the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission: The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) delivers transportation solutions for a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable community. To receive regular information about RTC projects, please sign up here: http://sccrtc.org/about/esubscriptions/.

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Cruz511 is a service of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and is partially funded by Measure D.