SB 516: Transportation: motorist aid services.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2015-10-04
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law generally requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes.
This bill would require each service authority to determine how those moneys received by it are to be used by the service authority for the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system, including call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes pursuant to specified guidelines.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law generally requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes.
This bill would require each service authority to determine how those moneys received by it are to be used by the service authority for the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system, including call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes pursuant to specified guidelines.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law generally requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes.
This bill would require each service authority to determine how those moneys received by it are to be used by the service authority for the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system, including call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes pursuant to specified guidelines.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law generally requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes.
This bill would require each service authority to determine how those moneys received by it are to be used by the service authority for the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system, including call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes pursuant to specified guidelines.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes.
This bill would instead require that each service authority to determine how those moneys received by it are to be used by the service authority for service expenses associated with the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system, including the installation of call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services. services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for installation implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and any call box removal plan. pursuant to specified guidelines.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes.
This bill would instead require that those moneys be used by the service authority for service expenses associated with the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system, including the installation of call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services, and litter and debris removal. services. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for installation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and any call box removal plan.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for implementation of a motorist system of call boxes.
This bill would instead require that those moneys be used by the service authority for service expenses associated with the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system system, including the installation of call boxes. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems and systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, other transportation demand management services, and litter and debris removal, and Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure. removal. The bill would require the Department of Transportation and the Department of the California Highway Patrol to review and approve plans, and amendments to plans, for installation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and any call box removal plan.
Existing law authorizes the establishment of a service authority for freeway emergencies in any county if the board of supervisors of the county and the city councils of a majority of the cities within the county adopt resolutions providing for the establishment of the service authority. Existing law authorizes a service authority to impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the counties served by the service authority. Existing law requires moneys received by a service authority to be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes and authorizes moneys received by a service authority in excess of what is needed for that system to be used for additional motorist aid services, including, among other things, changeable message signs and lighting for call boxes.
This bill would instead require that those moneys be used for service expenses associated with the implementation, maintenance, and operations of a motorist aid system. The bill would additionally authorize the use of those moneys for traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services, litter and debris removal, and Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)Each service authority shall determine how moneys received by it pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans, pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval, and shall not be implemented until so reviewed and approved pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code. The service authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(3)Service authority funding provided for projects described in subparagraphs (B),(F), and (G) of paragraph (1) is intended to supplement, and not replace, department expenditures for similar infrastructure and services on the California Freeway and Expressway System.
(e)A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(g)Nothing in this section relieves a service authority of any obligation under the law to receive appropriate permission or approval from the department for activities within rights-of-way under the jurisdiction of the department.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)Each service authority shall determine how moneys received by it pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans, pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval, and shall not be implemented until so reviewed and approved pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code. The service authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(3)Service authority funding provided for projects described in subparagraphs (B),(F), and (G) of paragraph (1) is intended to supplement, and not replace, department expenditures for similar infrastructure and services on the California Freeway and Expressway System.
(e)A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(g)Nothing in this section relieves a service authority of any obligation under the law to receive appropriate permission or approval from the department for activities within rights-of-way under the jurisdiction of the department.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)Each service authority shall determine how moneys received by it pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans, pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval, and shall not be implemented until so reviewed and approved pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code. The service authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(3)Service authority funding provided for projects described in subparagraphs (B),(F), and (G) of paragraph (1) is intended to supplement, and not replace, department expenditures for similar infrastructure and services on the California Freeway and Expressway System.
(e)A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(g)Nothing in this section relieves a service authority of any obligation under the law to receive appropriate permission or approval from the department for activities within rights-of-way under the jurisdiction of the department.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)Each service authority shall determine how moneys received by it pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established as well as associated service expenses. established. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans, pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2451.5 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval, and shall not be implemented until so reviewed and approved pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code. The service authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(3)Service authority funding provided for projects described in subparagraphs (B),(F), and (G) of paragraph (1) is intended to supplement, and not replace, department expenditures for similar infrastructure and services on the California Freeway and Expressway System.
(e)A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)The moneys received and allocated by each service authority Each service authority shall determine how moneys received by it pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established as well as associated service expenses. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans for installation plans, pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2451.5 of the Vehicle Code, for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route and any call box removal plan shall, prior to the installation or removal of the call boxes, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval and those call boxes shall not be installed or removed until the amendment or removal plan has been so reviewed and approved. The authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(G)Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval, and shall not be implemented until so reviewed and approved pursuant to the CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines, referenced in Section 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code. The service authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(3)Service authority funding provided for projects described in subparagraphs (B),(F), and (G) of paragraph (1) is intended to supplement, and not replace, department expenditures for similar infrastructure and services on the California Freeway and Expressway System.
(e)A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)The moneys received and allocated by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established as well as associated service expenses. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans for installation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Litter and debris removal.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by a service authority for any state highway route and any call box removal plan shall, prior to the installation or removal of the call boxes, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval and those call boxes shall not be installed or removed until the amendment or removal plan has been so reviewed and approved. The authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(e)A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system be considered an emergency system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)The moneys received and allocated by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, that are located within the county in which the authority is established as well as associated service expenses. The department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans for implementation installation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any moneys received and allocated by an a service authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) and for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system pursuant to subdivision (a), for purposes of paragraph (2), and for additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following motorist aid and safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(B)Changeable message signs.
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems, Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure, and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Litter and debris removal.
(H)Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by an a service authority for any state highway route and any call box removal plan shall, prior to implementation, the installation or removal of the call boxes, be submitted to the department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval and those call boxes shall not be implemented installed or removed until the amendment or removal plan has been so reviewed and approved. The authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(e)An A service authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
The Legislature declares that its intent in enacting this chapter is to encourage the placement of call boxes a motorist aid system comprising multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Expressway System to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. However, it is not intended that a motorist aid system of call boxes be considered an emergency telephone system.
SEC. 2.Section 2557 of the Streets and Highways Code is amended to read:2557.(a)Except as provided in subdivisions (c) and (d), the The moneys received by each authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used for the implementation, maintenance, and operation of a motorist aid system of call boxes, system, including the lease or lease-purchase of facilities and equipment for the system, on the portions of the California Freeway and Expressway System and a county expressway system, and the unincorporated county roads in that county, and on state highway routes that connect segments of these systems, which that are located within the county in which the authority is established as well as associated service expenses. The Department of Transportation department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall each review and approve plans for implementation of a motorist aid system of call boxes proposed for any state highway route and shall be reimbursed by the service authority for all costs incurred due to review and approval of the plan.
(b)An authority or any other public entity may construct and maintain, and lease or lease-purchase on terms and conditions it deems appropriate, the facilities of a motorist aid system or it may contract with a private person or entity to do so.
(c)If leases or lease-purchase agreements are entered into pursuant to subdivision (a), or if revenue bonds are issued and sold pursuant to Section 2558, the moneys received by each authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code shall be used to the extent necessary to make lease payments or to pay the principal of, and interest on, the amount of bonded indebtedness outstanding, as the case may be. Facilities and equipment acquired through the expenditure of proceeds from the sale of those bonds shall have a useful life at least equal to the term of the bonds.
(d)(1)Any money moneys received by an authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 9250.10 of the Vehicle Code that exceeds the amount needed may be used for full implementation and ongoing costs to maintain and operate the motorist aid system of call boxes, installed pursuant to subdivision (a), may be used for purposes of paragraph (2) (2), and for additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following safety-related projects:
(A)Call boxes.
(A)
(B)Changeable message signs.
(B)
(C)Lighting for call boxes.
(C)
(D)Support for traffic operations centers.
(D)
(E)Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles from the traveled portion of the right-of-way, including operation of the freeway service patrol pursuant to Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 2560).
(F)Traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services.
(G)Litter and debris removal.
(H)Intelligent Transportation System architecture and infrastructure.
(2)Any amendment to an existing plan for a motorist aid system of call boxes adopted by an authority for any state highway route shall, prior to implementation, be submitted to the Department of Transportation department and the Department of the California Highway Patrol for review and approval and shall not be implemented until so reviewed and approved. The authority shall reimburse each department for the costs of that review.
(e)An authority may develop policies for the retention of records, including, but not limited to, authority operations, contracts, and programs, and the length of the retention period.
(f)A motorist aid system constructed, maintained, or operated pursuant to this section shall meet the applicable standards of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336) and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Aug 24, 2015 | Ordered to third reading. |
| Jul 8, 2015 | From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (July 8). |
| Jul 9, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar. |
| Jul 16, 2015 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Jul 16, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jul 16, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 2433.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Aug 17, 2015 | Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Aug 18, 2015 | In Assembly. Held at Desk. |
| Aug 20, 2015 | Action rescinded whereby the bill was read a third time, passed, and ordered to the Senate. |
| Aug 20, 2015 | Ordered to third reading. |
| Jul 1, 2015 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Aug 24, 2015 | Read third time and amended. |
| Aug 27, 2015 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Aug 27, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Aug 27, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 2628.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Aug 31, 2015 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 1. Page 2272.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug 31, 2015 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 1.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Sep 1, 2015 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4:30 p.m. |
| Oct 4, 2015 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Oct 4, 2015 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 491, Statutes of 2015. |
| May 22, 2015 | Ordered to second reading. |
| Feb 27, 2015 | From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 29. |
| Mar 12, 2015 | Referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| Apr 16, 2015 | Set for hearing April 28. |
| Apr 21, 2015 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| May 5, 2015 | From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0. Page 825.) (April 28). |
| May 6, 2015 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| May 8, 2015 | Set for hearing May 18. |
| May 18, 2015 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8. |
| May 19, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Feb 26, 2015 | Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print. |
| May 22, 2015 | Read third time and amended. |
| May 26, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 28, 2015 | In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk. |
| May 28, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 35. Noes 1. Page 1118.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 28, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 35. Noes 1.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jun 11, 2015 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Jun 18, 2015 | June 22 hearing postponed by committee. |
| Jun 30, 2015 | From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (June 29). |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2015 | Unfinished Business SB516 Fuller Concurrence | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 27, 2015 | SB 516 Fuller Senate Third Reading By GROVE | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 16, 2015 | SB 516 Fuller Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 8, 2015 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 29, 2015 | Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
|
| May 28, 2015 | Senate 3rd Reading SB516 Fuller | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 28, 2015 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2015.) | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
| California Association of Councils of Government | ** Support | Aug 24, 2015 |
| Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
| for traffic operations centers | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Intelligent transportation systems | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Kern Council Of Governments | ** Support | Aug 31, 2015 |
| Kern County Council of Governments | ** Support | Aug 24, 2015 |
| Litter and debris removal | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Merced County Association Of Governments | ** Support | Aug 31, 2015 |
| Metropolitan Transportation Commission | ** Support | Aug 24, 2015 |
| San Luis Obispo Council of Governments | ** Support | Aug 31, 2015 |
| Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission | ** Support | Aug 31, 2015 |
| Transportation Agency For Monterey County | ** Support | Aug 31, 2015 |
| Wednesday, | ** Support | Apr 28, 2015 |
SB 516
Page 4
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bill No: SB 516
Amended: 8/24/15
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 11-0, 4/28/15
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Bates, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SENATE FLOOR: 35-1, 5/28/15
AYES: Allen, Anderson, Beall, Block, Cannella, De León, Fuller, Gaines, Galgiani, Glazer, Hall, Hancock, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Huff, Jackson, Lara, Leno, Leyva, Liu, McGuire, Mendoza, Monning, Morrell, Nielsen, Pan, Pavley, Roth, Runner, Stone, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wolk
NOES: Moorlach
NO VOTE RECORDED: Bates, Berryhill, Mitchell, Nguyen
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 8/27/15 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services
SOURCE: Kern Council of Governments
DIGEST: This bill authorizes funds which have been used to pay for the operation of freeway call boxes to also be used for transportation demand management services, intelligent transportation systems and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Assembly Amendments make technical changes and corrections.
Existing law authorizes local governments to establish service authorities for freeway emergencies (SAFEs). Those authorities may impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the applicable county. Those funds must be used to pay for the implementation and operation of a call-box system for motorist aid. Any funds in excess of the call-box system needs may be spent on additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following:
Call boxes
Changeable message signs
Lighting for call boxes
Support for traffic operations centers
Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles
This bill:
Removes the priority that the funds must first be used to pay for a call-box system. It instead allows the funds to pay for any motor aid services and support, including the following which were not specified under current law:
Traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services
Intelligent transportation systems
Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal
Requires that any plan by the SAFEs to install or remove call boxes must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Comments
Purpose. The source, Kern Council of Governments, and the author believe that call boxes are becoming an antiquated technology, largely due to cellphones. Call box usage is down significantly, making the boxes less cost-effective for taxpayers. Significant advancements in intelligent transportation systems and mobile technology have resulted in less expensive motorist aid services. This bill gives local governments the flexibility to pursue those more cost-effective alternatives.
Call box usage declining. Call box usage is declining in many areas. The source notes that in Kern County the number of calls has declined by 75% since the late 1990s. In the Bay Area, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that call box calls have declined by more than 90% to an average of less than one call per box per month. In Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports that calls have declined about 70% since 2004. Caltrans reports an overall decline of 28% since 2011, consistent with the MTC figures. Less dramatically, San Luis Obispo County reports that calls have declined by about one-third since 2007.
Program purpose. The program this bill amends was created to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. The near ubiquity of cellphones has undoubtedly contributed to the sharp decline in call volumes. In those circumstances it seems reasonable to allow the local authorities to choose to spend the limited funding on alternative motorist aid services. But even along major freeways and highways, cellphone service may not be available. The bill requires any proposal to remove call boxes to be reviewed and approved by Caltrans and the CHP, which should protect against the inappropriate removal of call boxes.
For aid, not emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes are routed directly to the CHP. While the call boxes are a convenience for the public, they are not good for dire emergencies. 911 calls, which often go directly to the CHP from cellphones, are treated as emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes have a lesser priority.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this bill will most likely have a negligible state fiscal impact.
Kern Council of Governments (source)
Merced County Association of Governments
Santa Cruz County regional Transportation Commission
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/28/15)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 8/27/15
AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins
NO VOTE RECORDED: Frazier
Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121
8/28/15 16:40:40
**** END ****
SB 516
Page 2
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 516
(Fuller)
As Amended August 24, 2015
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE: 35-1
Committee |
Votes |
Ayes |
Noes |
Transportation |
16-0 |
Frazier, Achadjian, Baker, Bloom, Campos, Chu, Daly, Dodd, Eduardo Garcia, Gomez, Kim, Linder, Medina, Melendez, Nazarian, O'Donnell |
|
Appropriations |
14-0 |
Gomez, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Calderon, Chang, Eggman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Jones, Quirk, Rendon, Weber, Wood |
|
SUMMARY: Expands the primary purposes for which Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies (SAFEs) can use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge to include other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes. Specifically, this bill:
Authorizes SAFEs to use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge for other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes, such as traveler information systems, intelligent transportation system architecture, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Explicitly provides that SAFEs are responsible for determining how vehicle registration surcharge revenue is to be used, except that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will continue to be responsible for reviewing and approving plans related to call boxes.
Declares that funding provided by a SAFE for changeable message signs, traveler information systems, intelligent transportation systems, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal is intended to supplement, not replace, Caltrans' expenditures for similar improvements and services.
Declares that nothing in this bill relieves service authorities from any obligation to secure appropriate permission from Caltrans for work performed within the department's right of way.
Makes other, non-substantive but related amendments to provisions related to motorist aid systems.
EXISTING LAW:
Authorizes county boards of supervisors and city councils to establish SAFEs for their county; authorizes the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Sacramento Area Councils of Government to be the SAFE for counties within their respective jurisdictions.
Authorizes SAFEs to impose a $1 fee on vehicles registered in the county to implement, maintain, and operate a motorist aid system of call boxes on the California Freeway and Expressway System, county expressway systems, unincorporated county roads, and state highway routes within the county.
Directs Caltrans and the CHP to review and approve proposed implementation plans and plan updates for motorist aid systems of call boxes.
Authorizes SAFEs to use any money received in excess of funds needed to fully implement and operate call box systems for additional motorist aid services or support, such as changeable message signs, lighting, and support for traffic operations center.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, negligible state fiscal impact.
COMMENTS: SAFE programs were first authorized in 1985 to fund and implement a motorist aid system of call boxes. Call boxes provide a direct communication link to the CHP and are available to motorists to seek assistance for, for example, mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, traffic accidents, or other incidents. According to Caltrans, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These range from the system in Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, where only a few call boxes have been installed in particularly isolated areas.
Call box usage peaked in about 1996 and has steadily declined since, due primarily to the proliferation of cell phones. For example, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that in 1996, over 216,000 calls were made on a network of over 3,000 call boxes in the nine-county MTC region. Those numbers declined to less than 13,000 calls made on a network 1,600 call boxes in 2014.
This bill will authorize SAFEs to look beyond just call boxes to provide motorist aid systems. The expanded list of allowable expenditures provided for in this bill will allow SAFEs to use newer technology, such as phone- and Web-based 511 traveler information systems. SAFEs have long been able to use their funds for some of these other components but only if they had revenue in excess of that needed to fully build out and operate a call box system. This bill gives SAFEs flexibility to design and implement whatever motorist aid system will work best in their county. For instance, while some rural areas may prefer call boxes on remote state highways, urban regions may find additional intelligent transportation systems architecture a more relevant service for congestion relieve and safety purposes.
Caltrans and the CHP will continue to maintain approval authority over plans related to call box systems.
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0001382
SB 516
Page 2
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 516
(Fuller)
As Amended July 1, 2015
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE: 35-1
Committee |
Votes |
Ayes |
Noes |
Transportation |
16-0 |
Frazier, Achadjian, Baker, Bloom, Campos, Chu, Daly, Dodd, Eduardo Garcia, Gomez, Kim, Linder, Medina, Melendez, Nazarian, O'Donnell |
|
Appropriations |
14-0 |
Gomez, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Calderon, Chang, Eggman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Jones, Quirk, Rendon, Weber, Wood |
|
SUMMARY: Expands the primary purposes for which Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies (SAFEs) can use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge to include other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes. Specifically, this bill:
Authorizes SAFEs to use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge for other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes, such as traveler information systems, intelligent transportation system architecture, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Explicitly provides that SAFEs are responsible for determining how vehicle registration surcharge revenue is to be used, except that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will continue to be responsible for reviewing and approving plans related to call boxes.
Declares that funding provided by a SAFE for changeable message signs, traveler information systems, intelligent transportation systems, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal is intended to supplement, not replace, Caltrans' expenditures for similar improvements and services.
Makes other, non-substantive but related amendments to provisions related to motorist aid systems.
EXISTING LAW:
Authorizes county boards of supervisors and city councils to establish SAFEs for their county; authorizes the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Sacramento Area Councils of Government to be the SAFE for counties within their respective jurisdictions.
Authorizes SAFEs to impose a $1 fee on vehicles registered in the county to implement, maintain, and operate a motorist aid system of call boxes on the California Freeway and Expressway System, county expressway systems, unincorporated county roads, and state highway routes within the county.
Directs Caltrans and the CHP to review and approve proposed implementation plans and plan updates for motorist aid systems of call boxes.
Authorizes SAFEs to use any money received in excess of funds needed to fully implement and operate call box systems for additional motorist aid services or support, such as changeable message signs, lighting, and support for traffic operations center.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, negligible state fiscal impact.
COMMENTS: SAFE programs were first authorized in 1985 to fund and implement a motorist aid system of call boxes. Call boxes provide a direct communication link to the CHP and are available to motorists to seek assistance for, for example, mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, traffic accidents, or other incidents. According to Caltrans, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These range from the system in Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, where only a few call boxes have been installed in particularly isolated areas.
Call box usage peaked in about 1996 and has steadily declined since, due primarily to the proliferation of cell phones. For example, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that in 1996, over 216,000 calls were made on a network of over 3,000 call boxes in the nine-county MTC region. Those numbers declined to less than 13,000 calls made on a network 1,600 call boxes in 2014.
This bill will authorize SAFEs to look beyond just call boxes to provide motorist aid systems. The expanded list of allowable expenditures provided for in this bill will allow SAFEs to use newer technology, such as phone- and Web-based 511 traveler information systems. SAFEs have long been able to use their funds for some of these other components but only if they had revenue in excess of that needed to fully build out and operate a call box system. This bill gives SAFEs flexibility to design and implement whatever motorist aid system will work best in their county. For instance, while some rural areas may prefer call boxes on remote state highways, urban regions may find additional intelligent transportation systems architecture a more relevant service for congestion relieve and safety purposes.
Caltrans and the CHP will continue to maintain approval authority over plans related to call box systems.
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0001482
SB 516
Page 4
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bill No: SB 516
Amended: 7/1/15
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 11-0, 4/28/15
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Bates, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SENATE FLOOR: 35-1, 5/28/15
AYES: Allen, Anderson, Beall, Block, Cannella, De León, Fuller, Gaines, Galgiani, Glazer, Hall, Hancock, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Huff, Jackson, Lara, Leno, Leyva, Liu, McGuire, Mendoza, Monning, Morrell, Nielsen, Pan, Pavley, Roth, Runner, Stone, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wolk
NOES: Moorlach
NO VOTE RECORDED: Bates, Berryhill, Mitchell, Nguyen
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 7/16/15 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services
SOURCE: Kern Council of Governments
DIGEST: This bill authorizes funds which have been used to pay for the operation of freeway call boxes to also be used for transportation demand management services, intelligent transportation systems and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Assembly Amendments make technical changes and corrections.
Existing law authorizes local governments to establish service authorities for freeway emergencies (SAFEs). Those authorities may impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the applicable county. Those funds must be used to pay for the implementation and operation of a call-box system for motorist aid. Any funds in excess of the call-box system needs may be spent on additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following:
Call boxes
Changeable message signs
Lighting for call boxes
Support for traffic operations centers
Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles
This bill:
Removes the priority that the funds must first be used to pay for a call-box system. It instead allows the funds to pay for any motor aid services and support, including the following which were not specified under current law:
Traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services
Intelligent transportation systems
Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal
Requires that any plan by the SAFEs to install or remove call boxes must be reviewed and approved by the Caltrans and the CHP.
Comments
Purpose. The source, Kern Council of Governments, and the author believe that call boxes are becoming an antiquated technology, largely due to cellphones. Call box usage is down significantly, making the boxes less cost-effective for taxpayers. Significant advancements in intelligent transportation systems and mobile technology have resulted in less expensive motorist aid services. This bill gives local governments the flexibility to pursue those more cost-effective alternatives.
Call box usage declining. Call box usage is declining in many areas. The source notes that in Kern County the number of calls has declined by 75% since the late 1990s. In the Bay Area, the MTC reports that call box calls have declined by more than 90% to an average of less than one call per box per month. In Los Angeles, the MTA reports that calls have declined about 70% since 2004. Caltrans reports an overall decline of 28% since 2011, consistent with the MTC figures. Less dramatically, San Luis Obispo County reports that calls have declined by about one-third since 2007.
Program purpose. The program this bill amends was created to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. The near ubiquity of cellphones has undoubtedly contributed to the sharp decline in call volumes. In those circumstances it seems reasonable to allow the local authorities to choose to spend the limited funding on alternative motorist aid services. But even along major freeways and highways, cellphone service may not be available. The bill requires any proposal to remove call boxes to be reviewed and approved by Caltrans and the CHP, which should protect against the inappropriate removal of call boxes.
For aid, not emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes are routed directly to the CHP. While the call boxes are a convenience for the public, they are not good for dire emergencies. 911 calls, which often go directly to the CHP from cellphones, are treated as emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes have a lesser priority.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
Kern Council of Governments (source)
Merced County Association of Governments
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Santa Cruz County regional Transportation Commission
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/11/15)
None received
AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins
NO VOTE RECORDED: Gordon
Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121
8/17/15 10:20:21
**** END ****
Date of Hearing: July 8, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
SB 516
(Fuller) – As Amended July 1, 2015
Policy Committee: |
Transportation |
Vote: |
16 - 0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill provides additional discretion to Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies (SAFEs) for use of revenue from the $1 vehicle registration surcharge in order to fund other elements of a motorist aid system, in addition to call boxes. Specifically, this bill:
Deletes the requirement that SAFEs may use surcharge revenues for other than call boxes only if there using excess revenues above the amount needed for full implementation and ongoing operation and maintenance of the call box system.
Allows SAFEs discretion to allocate all surcharge revenues for specified motorist aid and safety-related projects, including changeable message signs, lighting for call boxes, supporting traffic operations centers, contracting to remove disable vehicles from rights-of-way, traveler information systems, other transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Stipulates that any surcharge funding for changeable message signs, traveler information systems, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal are to supplement, and not supplant, Caltrans expenditures for similar services on the state's freeways.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Negligible state fiscal impact.
COMMENTS:
Background and Purpose. SAFEs programs were first authorized in 1985 to fund and implement a motorist aid system of call boxes, which provide a motorist with a direct communication link to the CHP in the event of a mechanical breakdown, flat tire, traffic accident, or other incident. According to Caltrans, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These range from Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte counties, where only a few call boxes have been installed in particularly isolated areas.
Call box usage peaked around 1996 and has steadily declined since, due primarily to the proliferation of cell phones. For example, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that in 1996, over 216,000 calls were made on a network of over 3,000 call boxes in the nine-county MTC region. Those numbers declined to less than 13,000 calls made on a network of 1,600 call boxes in 2014.
SB 516 authorizes SAFEs to provide other motorist aid systems. The expanded list of allowable expenditures provided in the bill will allow SAFEs to use newer technology, such as phone- and Web-based 511 traveler information systems. SAFEs have long been able to use their funds for some of these other components, but only if they had revenue in excess of that needed to fully build out and operate a call box system. SB 516 gives SAFEs flexibility to design and implement whatever motorist aid system will work best in their county.
Analysis Prepared by: Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
SB 516
Page 3
Date of Hearing: June 29, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
SB 516
(Fuller) – As Amended July 1, 2015
SENATE VOTE: 35-1
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services.
SUMMARY: Expands the primary purposes for which Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies (SAFEs) can use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge to include other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes. Specifically, this bill:
Authorizes SAFEs to use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge for other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes, such as traveler information systems, intelligent transportation system architecture, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Explicitly provides that SAFEs are responsible for determining how vehicle registration surcharge revenue is to be used, except that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will continue to be responsible for reviewing and approving plans related to call boxes.
Declares that funding provided by a SAFE for changeable message signs, traveler information systems, intelligent transportation systems, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal is intended to supplement, not replace, Caltrans' expenditures for similar improvements and services.
Makes other, non-substantive but related amendments to provisions related to motorist aid systems.
EXISTING LAW:
Authorizes county boards of supervisors and city councils to establish SAFEs for their county; authorizes the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Sacramento Area Councils of Government to be the SAFE for counties within their respective jurisdictions.
Authorizes SAFEs to impose a $1 fee on vehicles registered in the county to implement, maintain, and operate a motorist aid system of call boxes on the California Freeway and Expressway System, county expressway systems, unincorporated county roads, and state highway routes within the county.
Directs Caltrans and the CHP to review and approve proposed implementation plans and plan updates for motorist aid systems of call boxes.
Authorizes SAFEs to use any money received in excess of funds needed to fully implement and operate call box systems for additional motorist aid services or support, such as changeable message signs, lighting, and support for traffic operations center.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: SAFE programs were first authorized in 1985 to fund and implement a motorist aid system of call boxes. Call boxes provide a direct communication link to the CHP and are available to motorists to seek assistance for, for example, mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, traffic accidents, or other incidents. According to Caltrans, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These range from the system in Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte counties, where only a few call boxes have been installed in particularly isolated areas.
Call box usage peaked in about 1996 and has steadily declined since, due primarily to the proliferation of cell phones. For example, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that in 1996, over 216,000 calls were made on a network of over 3,000 call boxes in the nine-county MTC region. Those numbers declined to less than 13,000 calls made on a network 1,600 call boxes in 2014.
SB 516 will authorize SAFEs to look beyond just call boxes to provide motorist aid systems. The expanded list of allowable expenditures provided for in SB 516 will allow SAFEs to use newer technology, such as phone- and Web-based 511 traveler information systems. SAFEs have long been able to use their funds for some of these other components but only if they had revenue in excess of that needed to fully build out and operate a call box system. SB 516 gives SAFEs flexibility to design and implement whatever motorist aid system will work best in their county. For instance, while some rural areas may prefer call boxes on remote state highways, urban regions may find additional intelligent transportation systems architecture a more relevant service for congestion relieve and safety purposes.
Caltrans and the CHP will continue to maintain approval authority over plans related to call box systems.
Previous legislation: AB 1572 (Fletcher), Chapter 299, Statutes of 2012, made the San Diego Association of Governments the successor agency to the San Diego County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies.
SB 1418 (Wiggins) of 2010, would have authorized a $1 increase in the vehicle registration surcharge for SAFEs. SB 1418 failed passage in the Assembly Transportation Committee and was returned to the Chief Clerk pursuant to JR 62(a).
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Kern County Council of Governments (sponsor)
California Association of Councils of Government
Merced County Association of Governments
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093
SB 516
Page 3
Date of Hearing: June 29, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
SB 516
(Fuller) – As Amended May 22, 2015
SENATE VOTE: 35-1
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services.
SUMMARY: Expands the primary purposes for which Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies (SAFEs) can use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge to include other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes. Specifically, this bill:
Authorizes SAFEs to use revenue from a $1 vehicle registration surcharge for other elements of a motorist aid system in addition to call boxes, such as traveler information systems, intelligent transportation system architecture, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Explicitly provides that SAFEs are responsible for determining how vehicle registration surcharge revenue is to be used, except that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will continue to be responsible for reviewing and approving plans related to call boxes.
Declares that funding provided by a SAFE for changeable message signs, traveler information systems, intelligent transportation systems, transportation demand management services, and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal is intended to supplement, not replace, Caltrans' expenditures for similar improvements and services.
Makes other, non-substantive but related amendments to provisions related to motorist aid systems.
EXISTING LAW:
Authorizes county boards of supervisors and city councils to establish SAFEs for their county; authorizes the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Sacramento Area Councils of Government to be the SAFE for counties within their respective jurisdictions.
Authorizes SAFEs to impose a $1 fee on vehicles registered in the county to implement, maintain, and operate a motorist aid system of call boxes on the California Freeway and Expressway System, county expressway systems, unincorporated county roads, and state highway routes within the county.
Directs Caltrans and the CHP to review and approve proposed implementation plans and plan updates for motorist aid systems of call boxes.
Authorizes SAFEs to use any money received in excess of funds needed to fully implement and operate call box systems for additional motorist aid services or support, such as changeable message signs, lighting, and support for traffic operations center.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: SAFE programs were first authorized in 1985 to fund and implement a motorist aid system of call boxes. Call boxes provide a direct communication link to the CHP and are available to motorists to seek assistance for, for example, mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, traffic accidents, or other incidents. According to Caltrans, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These range from the system in Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte counties, where only a few call boxes have been installed in particularly isolated areas.
Call box usage peaked in about 1996 and has steadily declined since, due primarily to the proliferation of cell phones. For example, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that in 1996, over 216,000 calls were made on a network of over 3,000 call boxes in the nine-county MTC region. Those numbers declined to less than 13,000 calls made on a network 1,600 call boxes in 2014.
SB 516 will authorize SAFEs to look beyond just call boxes to provide motorist aid systems. The expanded list of allowable expenditures provided for in SB 516 will allow SAFEs to use newer technology, such as phone- and Web-based 511 traveler information systems. SAFEs have long been able to use their funds for some of these other components but only if they had revenue in excess of that needed to fully build out and operate a call box system. SB 516 gives SAFEs flexibility to design and implement whatever motorist aid system will work best in their county. For instance, while some rural areas may prefer call boxes on remote state highways, urban regions may find additional intelligent transportation systems architecture a more relevant service for congestion relieve and safety purposes.
Caltrans and the CHP will continue to maintain approval authority over plans related to call box systems.
Technical amendments:
Existing law authorizes SAFEs to expend revenue on implementation, maintenance, and operation of motorist aid systems. This bill would add “associated service expenses” to this list of allowable expenditures. It is not clear what problem or opportunity the addition of this phrase is meant to address and therefore this vague phrase should be stricken.
SB 516 includes an incorrect reference to the Vehicle Code. The correct reference should be 2421.5 of the Vehicle Code.
The author has indicated that she intends to take these amendments in committee as author's amendments.
Previous legislation: AB 1572 (Fletcher), Chapter 299, Statutes of 2012, made the San Diego Association of Governments the successor agency to the San Diego County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies.
SB 1418 (Wiggins) of 2010, would have authorized a $1 increase in the vehicle registration surcharge for SAFEs. SB 1418 failed passage in the Assembly Transportation Committee and was returned to the Chief Clerk pursuant to JR 62(a).
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Kern County Council of Governments (sponsor)
California Association of Councils of Government
Merced County Association of Governments
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093
SB 516
Page 3
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 516
Amended: 5/22/15
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 11-0, 4/28/15
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Bates, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services
SOURCE: Kern County Council of Governments
DIGEST: This bill authorizes funds which have been used to pay for the operation of freeway call boxes to also be used for transportation demand management services, intelligent transportation systems and safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Senate Floor Amendments of 5/22/15 specify that the review and approval by the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) be made pursuant to the “CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines”, as specified in existing law; and allow the funds to pay for safety-related hazard and obstruction removal.
Existing law authorizes local governments to establish service authorities for freeway emergencies (SAFEs). Those authorities may impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the applicable county. Those funds must be used to pay for the implementation and operation of a call-box system for motorist aid. Any funds in excess of the call-box system needs may be spent on additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following:
Call boxes
Changeable message signs
Lighting for call boxes
Support for traffic operations centers
Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles
This bill:
Removes the priority that the funds must first be used to pay for a call-box system. It instead allows the funds to pay for any motor aid services and support, including the following which were not specified under current law:
Traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services
Intelligent transportation systems
Safety-related hazard and obstruction removal
Requires that any plan by the SAFEs to install or remove call boxes must be reviewed and approved by the Caltrans and the CHP.
Comments
Purpose. The source, Kern Council of Governments, and the author believe that call boxes are becoming an antiquated technology, largely due to cellphones. Call box usage is down significantly, making the boxes less cost-effective for taxpayers. Significant advancements in intelligent transportation systems and mobile technology have resulted in less expensive motorist aid services. This bill gives local governments the flexibility to pursue those more cost-effective alternatives.
Call box usage declining. Call box usage is declining in many areas. The source notes that in Kern County the number of calls has declined by 75% since the late 1990s. In the Bay Area, the MTC reports that call box calls have declined by more than 90% to an average of less than one call per box per month. In Los Angeles, the MTA reports that calls have declined about 70% since 2004. Caltrans reports an overall decline of 28% since 2011, consistent with the MTC figures. Less dramatically, San Luis Obispo County reports that calls have declined by about one-third since 2007.
Program purpose. The program this bill amends was created to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. The near ubiquity of cellphones has undoubtedly contributed to the sharp decline in call volumes. In those circumstances it seems reasonable to allow the local authorities to choose to spend the limited funding on alternative motorist aid services. But even along major freeways and highways, cellphone service may not be available. The bill requires any proposal to remove call boxes to be reviewed and approved by Caltrans and the CHP, which should protect against the inappropriate removal of call boxes.
For aid, not emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes are routed directly to the CHP. While the call boxes are a convenience for the public, they are not good for dire emergencies. 911 calls, which often go directly to the CHP from cellphones, are treated as emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes have a lesser priority.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
Kern Council of Governments (source)
Merced County Association of Governments
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/26/15)
None received
Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121
5/27/15 16:00:59
**** END ****
SB 516
Page 3
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 516
Amended: 5/6/15
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 11-0, 4/28/15
AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Bates, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services
SOURCE: Kern County Council of Governments
DIGEST: This bill authorizes funds which have been used to pay for the operation of freeway call boxes to also be used for transportation demand management services and intelligent transportation systems.
Existing law authorizes local governments to establish service authorities for freeway emergencies (SAFEs). Those authorities may impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the applicable county. Those funds must be used to pay for the implementation and operation of a call-box system for motorist aid. Any funds in excess of the call-box system needs may be spent on additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following:
Call boxes;
Changeable message signs;
Lighting for call boxes;
Support for traffic operations centers; and
Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles.
This bill:
Removes the priority that the funds must first be used to pay for a call-box system. It instead allows the funds to pay for any motor aid services and support, including the following which were not specified under current law:
Traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services.
Intelligent transportation systems.
Requires that any plan by the SAFEs to install or remove call boxes must be reviewed and approved by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Comments
Purpose. The source, Kern Council of Governments, and the author believe that call boxes are becoming an antiquated technology, largely due to cellphones. Call box usage is down significantly, making the boxes less cost-effective for taxpayers. Significant advancements in intelligent transportation systems and mobile technology have resulted in less expensive motorist aid services. This bill gives local governments the flexibility to pursue those more cost-effective alternatives.
Call box usage declining. Call box usage is declining in many areas. The source notes that in Kern County the number of calls has declined by 75% since the late 1990s. In the Bay Area, the Metropolitan Transportation Commissions reports that call box calls have declined by more than 90% to an average of less than one call per box per month. In Los Angeles, the MTA reports that calls have declined about 70% since 2004. Caltrans reports an overall decline of 28% since 2011, consistent with the MTC figures. Less dramatically, San Luis Obispo County reports that calls have declined by about one-third since 2007.
Program purpose. The program this bill amends was created to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. The near ubiquity of cellphones has undoubtedly contributed to the sharp decline in call volumes. In those circumstances it seems reasonable to allow the local authorities to choose to spend the limited funding on alternative motorist aid services. But even along major freeways and highways, cellphone service may not be available. The bill requires any proposal to remove call boxes to be reviewed and approved by Caltrans and the CHP, which should protect against the inappropriate removal of call boxes.
For aid, not emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes are routed directly to the CHP. While the call boxes are a convenience for the public, they are not good for dire emergencies. 911 calls, which often go directly to the CHP from cellphones, are treated as emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes have a lesser priority.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
Kern Council of Governments (source)
Merced County Association of Governments
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/19/15)
None received
Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121
5/21/15 15:18:39
**** END ****
SB 516 (Fuller) Page 3 of 3
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING
Senator Jim Beall, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: SB 516 Hearing Date: 4/28/2015
Author: |
Fuller |
||
Version: |
4/21/2015 Amended |
||
Urgency: |
No |
Fiscal: |
Yes |
Consultant: |
Randy Chinn |
||
SUBJECT: Transportation: motorist aid services.
DIGEST: This bill authorizes funds which would be used to pay for the operation of freeway call boxes to also be used for transportation demand management services, litter and debris removal, and intelligent transportation systems.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
Under current law, local governments are authorized to establish service authorities for freeway emergencies (SAFEs). Those authorities may impose a fee of $1 per year on vehicles registered in the applicable county. Those funds must be used to pay for the implementation and operation of a call-box system for motorist aid. Any funds in excess of the call-box system needs may be spent on additional motorist aid services or support, including, but not limited to, the following:
Call boxes
Changeable message signs
Lighting for call boxes
Support for traffic operations centers
Contracting for removal of disabled vehicles
This bill removes the priority that the funds must first be used to pay for a call-box system. It instead allows the funds to pay for any motor aid services and support, including the following which were not specifically specified under current law:
Traveler information systems and other transportation demand management services
Litter and debris removal
Intelligent transportation systems
This bill requires that any plan by the SAFEs to install or remove call boxes must be reviewed and approved by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
For aid, not emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes are routed directly to the CHP. While the call boxes are a convenience for the public, they are not good for dire emergencies. 911 calls, which often go directly to the CHP from cellphones, are treated as emergencies. Calls from freeway call boxes have a lesser priority.
Who makes the call? Counties in conjunction with their member cities may establish SAFEs. The SAFEs can be the county transportation commissions or, in the Bay Area, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission or, in the greater Sacramento area, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. Alternatively, the SAFE can be a stand-alone entity which shall have seven members, two appointed by the county and five selected jointly by the cities.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. The author and sponsor believe that call boxes are becoming an antiquated technology, largely due to cellphones. Call box usage is down significantly, making the boxes less cost-effective for taxpayers. Significant advancements in intelligent transportation systems and mobile technology have resulted in less expensive motorist aid services. This bill gives local governments the flexibility to pursue those more cost-effective alternatives.
Call box usage declining. Call box usage is declining in many areas. The sponsor notes that in Kern County the number of calls has declined by 75% since the late 1990s. In the Bay Area, the MTC reports that call box calls have declined by more than 90% to an average of less than one call per box per month. In Los Angeles, the MTA reports that calls have declined about 70% since 2004. Caltrans reports an overall decline of 28% since 2011, consistent with the MTC figures. Less dramatically, San Luis Obispo County reports that calls have declined by about one-third since 2007.
Intelligent Transportation Systems defined. The U.S. Department of Transportation defines Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as “the application of advanced information and communications technology to surface transportation in order to achieve enhanced safety and mobility while reducing the environmental impact of transportation. Wireless communication offers a powerful and transformative opportunity to establish transportation connectivity that further enables cooperative systems and dynamic data exchange using a broad range of advanced systems and technologies.”
Program purpose. The program this bill amends was created to enable motorists in need of aid to obtain assistance. The near ubiquity of cellphones has undoubtedly contributed to the sharp decline in call volumes. In those circumstances it seems reasonable to allow the local authorities to choose to spend the limited funding on alternative motorist aid services. But even along major freeways and highways, cellphone service may not be available. The bill requires any proposal to remove call boxes to be reviewed and approved by Caltrans and the CHP, which should protect against the inappropriate removal of call boxes. The bill also defines litter and debris removal as eligible for funding as a motorist aid service. That activity does not seem consistent with the program purpose. While litter and debris removal is a valuable public service, the author and committee may wish to consider deleting this provision.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,
April 22, 2015.)
SUPPORT:
Kern County Council of Governments (sponsor)
Merced County Association of Governments
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
OPPOSITION:
None received
-- END --
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):