Roadside Assistance

Unfortunately, ARC does not have a roadside assistance service of its own.  (This is true as of late March, 2009; you can call the non-emergency number for Ames Security at 650-604-5416 to double-check for yourself.  In years past there was a gas station and a full-service auto maintenance garage at Moffett Field, so who knows what the future could hold?)  This can make it difficult to get a jump-start, a tow, etc., since any service truck will have to pass through at least one and possibly two security gates.

If you need a jump-start, your best bet is to ask around whatever office you happen to be working in.  Odds are someone will have jumper cables and the time to give your car a jump.

However, if you find that you really do need to call in outside assistance, here's what to do.

Start by calling the front gate.  Their number is 650-604-5416.  Tell them you need to call a tow-truck, and ask what you should do to get them inside.  Be specific about where you are.  Getting in the front gate takes nothing but a driver's license, which (presumably) the truck's driver will have.  Getting into the inner fenced-off part of Ames, on the other hand, normally requires a badge, something most tow-truck drivers will not have.

The experiences of people who have done this vary considerably, which is why you should call the gate.  Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to meet the truck at the gate and get them in by showing your badge, or you may have to sign and/or file a form at the front gate.  If security tells you that you need to show a badge, tell them what kind of badge you have.  Most of the people reading this will have a visitor (soft) badge; if a hard badge is required, you may need to ask a coworker who has one to join you at the gate.

Getting a tow truck in is a little out of the ordinary, but you are not the first person or the last to need your car towed from inside Ames.  Be patient, be polite, and it'll work out.

Note:  If you have had a jump-start, a tow, etc. while on Ames, feel free to describe your experience in a comment.  In particular, if you know of any towing services that definitely are (or aren't) willing to drive onto Ames, that would be useful information.