The Point: FSP program has assisted over a million stranded motorists and counting on Riverside County highways
For the past three decades, the Riverside County Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) has helped make bad days just a little bit better for stranded motorists traveling through the County. On June 28, RCTC will be celebrating FSP’s 30 years of service in Riverside County.
FSP drivers offer services such as jump-starting dead batteries, refilling radiators, changing flat tires, or minor mechanical repairs. If they can’t get a vehicle running within 10 minutes, they tow the motorist to safety to one of many CHP-approved locations. Over the last 30 years, Riverside County FSP drivers have assisted more than one million motorists. This includes more than 130,000 flat tires changed and over 75,000 accidents cleared. And the best part? It’s completely free to the motorist. No payments or tips are expected or accepted.
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I loved that they saw someone needed help on the road and went to help right away! They were there at the right time!
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- Motorist Norma M.
The service began in June of 1993, with only eight tow trucks on patrol. Back then, the program only covered two of Riverside County’s highways, with an average of 16,000 assists per year. Fast forward 30 years, 25 trucks average over 60,000 assists per year on Riverside County highways. FSP service covers 101 miles across western Riverside County, including on Interstates 15 and 215, Routes 60 and 91, and the 15 and 91 Express Lanes.
The FSP team includes 60 certified drivers from contracted private tow companies. These drivers continuously rove and watch for motorists with car troubles on selected Riverside County highways during peak commute times. Service is provided during the busy morning and afternoon commute hours. Extended mid-day and weekend service is also available on select beats, where traffic is more highly impacted. Additional FSP service may also be provided during major construction zones and for special events to enhance safety and traffic flow.
FSP service has proven to be popular with motorists, who often refer to FSP drivers as superheroes, angels, and lifesavers. Upon receiving assistance, motorists are given a pamphlet that contains program information and a survey link to provide feedback on the drivers and the service, and needless to say, the reviews are glowing.
FSP Driver Tim Chilikoff has been assisting motorists in western Riverside County for the past three years
Motorist Pamella B. shared, “…not only was the driver wonderful, pleasant and concerned with my safety, I was also greeted by a CHP officer, checking on my well-being.”
Funding for the FSP program is provided by Caltrans and RCTC. RCTC also administers the program while the California Highway Patrol provides supervision, training, and oversight of tow operators.
Riverside County FSP tow operators and CHP make a great team making the FSP program one of the highest benefit/cost ratios in California – providing residents with significant value for the program funding.
For more information about the program, including a service area map and hours of operation, click here.