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Freeway Service Patrol

Service Area Map

Overview

The Metro Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a congestion mitigation program managed in partnership with Metro, CHP and Caltrans on all major freeways in LA County, and is the largest of its kind in the nation performing approximately 25,000 assists each month. The program utilizes a fleet of roving tow and service trucks designed to reduce traffic congestion by efficiently getting disabled vehicles running again, or by quickly towing those vehicles off of the freeway to a designated safe location. Quickly removing motorists and their disabled vehicles from the freeway reduces the chances of further incidents caused by onlookers and impatient drivers. In addition, FSP helps save fuel and reduce air polluting emissions by reducing stop-and-go traffic.

The service is absolutely FREE to motorists. Simply call 511 and say “Motorist Aid” from your phone or call from a freeway callbox. The services include the following:

Changing flat tires
Jump-starting cars
Refilling radiators and taping leaky hoses
Providing up to a gallon of fuel

Towing disabled vehicles to designated safe locations off the freeway

Hours of Operations

FSP Service
Monday – Friday: 6am to 7pm
Weekends: 10am to 6:30pm

ExpressLanes Service
I-110 & I-10
4am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 7pm

Big Rig Service
I-710 & 91
5am to 7pm

Service provided on selected holidays.

Facts and Service Vehicles

Annual Benefits to LA County

$325,000,000 savings to motorists in time and fuel based on $25,000,000 annual budget and a 13:1 benefit to cost ratio – for every $1 spent, there is a $13 benefit to motorists
300,000 assists performed each year (average), and over 7,000,000 assists since 1991
9,454,840 hours motorists saved from sitting in traffic
16,253,000 gallons of fuel savings
150,000 kg of emissions savings
The average wait time for FSP service is seven minutes (the average wait time for AAA service is over 30 minutes)
The Los Angeles County FSP program generates one-half of the cumulative benefits of the 14 FSP programs in the state

Service Delivery

149 tow and service trucks operating during peak commuting hours
44 tow trucks operating during the middle of the day (weekdays)
43 tow trucks operating weekends during the heaviest travel hours
43 beats (designated freeway segments contracted to tow service providers)
475 freeway miles serviced in LA County

The FSP program is designed to assist motorists in the following categories and areas:

General Purpose Freeway Lanes: Assistance for most cars, light trucks, vans and SUVs weighing less than 6,000 GVWR.

Big Rig Lanes: Assistance on the I-710 and the SR-91 Freeways to semi-trucks with trailers and other large vehicles.

ExpressLanes: Assistance to motorists utilizing the ExpressLanes segments of the I-110 and I-10 corridors.

FAQ

What free services are provided by FSP?

Changing flat tires with the motorist’s spare tire
Jump-starting dead batteries
Refilling radiators and temporarily repair leaking hoses
Providing up to a gallon of fuel

How do I get service?

If your vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway and it is an emergency, dial 911. If you require non-emergency vehicle assistance, dial 511 and say “Motorist Aid.” If you do not have your cell phone, you can use the freeway call box. During FSP service hours, your request for non-emergency vehicle assistance will be forwarded to FSP, and a truck will be instructed to assist when it is available. Otherwise, the FSP vehicles are continuously roving the freeways during the designated service hours, and in many cases, may find you before you can call for assistance.

Will it cost me anything?

The service is absolutely FREE at the time of service. The program is funded by Metro and Caltrans utilizing state and local tax dollars.

Which freeways do Metro FSP patrol?

Check the map for FSP coverage.

Can the FSP driver tow my vehicle home, to my workplace or to a private facility?

The FSP driver will only tow vehicles, at no charge, to a safe, pre-determined location designated by CHP. FSP drivers are not permitted to tow vehicles to a private repair facility or home, and cannot recommend service companies or repair facilities.

Can I tip the driver?

Our FSP drivers are not permitted to accept tips. However, you may rate us on our Yelp!

How do I become an FSP Driver?

Metro FSP is provided by private tow service contractors. See the current list of contractors.

How do I become an FSP Contractor?

You may contact our Procurement Department for more information.