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For Immediate Release: January4, 2006 |
Cheryl Donahue |
Freeway Service Patrol expands service in SB Valley
San Bernardino Associated Governments has expanded its Freeway Service Patrol program in the San Bernardino Valley to provide additional free roadside help to motorists on Interstate 215 and on State Route 60. The new service began January 3.
The Freeway Service Patrol program began exactly one year ago with roving tow truck operators on Interstate 10 and Interstate 15. The service operates during peak morning and afternoon commute times to help stranded motorists. Authorized tow truck drivers offer help with flat tires, jump-start dead batteries, refill radiators, supply a gallon of gas and assist with other minor mechanical problems – all at no charge. If they can’t fix the problem, drivers will tow the vehicle to locations adjacent to the freeway that are designated by the California Highway Patrol, again at no cost.
Service expanded yesterday to include Interstate 215 from the Riverside County line in Grand Terrace to 2nd Street in San Bernardino and on Route 60 from the Los Angeles County line in Chino to Milliken Avenue in Ontario. Regular service will continue on Interstates 10 and 15.
To accommodate peak traffic times, the service is offered from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays.
The program is part of an overall effort to improve transportation in the congested urban areas of San Bernardino County. The service helps reduce traffic congestion, prevent secondary accidents and improve air quality.
Funding is secured through a combination of state funds, San Bernardino County Measure I funds and Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee funds.
SANBAG administers the program, with assistance from Caltrans and the CHP, which oversees daily operations.