April 25, 2006 — The Guadalajara Reporter, a weekly English-language newspaper here, had a nice article recently about the Green Angels. If you haven’t heard of the Green Angels of Mexico, and if you know my ecological bent, you might think they were soemthing to do with the environment.

Not exactly. These guys (I bet they are all guys) are English-speaking mechanics carrying tools and small parts / first aid responders / tourist information resources who drive trucks that for years have been green but are now changing to white with green trim. This popular government program has been in force since 1990 or so. They cruise the highways, looking for people, especially tourists, in need of help. Their basic services are free, though tips are accepted and there might be charges for supplies.

If you will be traveling by vehicle in Mexico, you may want to do what I just did, program their toll-free number WITHIN MEXICO into your cellphone. It’s 01-800-903-9200. I don’t know if whoever answers the phone speaks English… probably, but you may need to speak slowly and clearly.

For a website showing their regular routes, go to
http://www.sectur.gob.mx/wb2/sectur/sect_9454_rutas_carreteras