Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is an effective method to reduce non-recurrent freeway congestion. FSP tow vehicles are deployed along established routes, referred to as "beats", and are able to quickly clear disabled vehicles, thereby preventing or reducing significant congestion. Research has shown that congestion results in increased vehicle fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
633050.00
SANBAG went through the competitive proposal process to secure a FSP tow service operator. The Request for Proposal was released to the public in the fall of 2003. A contract with the tow operator, Armada Towing was finalized on November 5, 2003. Service began on January 5, 2004. Tow trucks assisted stranded motorists that ran out of fuel, needed assistance change a tire or handling some other mechanical problems. If the assistance could not be readily made, the FSP driver would tow the vehicle to a location designated by the California Highway Patrol.
This purpose of this project was to develop a new Construction Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) beat.The Construction beat consisted of two roving tow trucks that helped stranded motorists along Interstate 10 between Redlands and Yucaipa while construction activity was taking place.
The FSP project was successful. More than 11,000 stranded motorist were assisted along the I-10 between Redlands and Yucaipa. Assistance included 730 flat tires, 535 overheated cars, and 436 motorists who ran out of gas. As a result of this demonstration project, SANBAG has secured additional state funding for a full-scale FSP program in San Bernardino County. The full-scale project offers FSP on 8 beats covering 60 center miles of highway. On the average the full-scale program assists over 3,000 motorists per month.
The FSP project began service on January 5, 2004 and operated during peak morning and afternoon commute hours. Service for the Construction beat was completed on December 7, 2007. The length of the beat was 11.7 centerline miles and a total of 9,428 hours of service was provided to motorists.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)