Current Profile

A fleet of 83 trucks patrols some 550 miles of the Bay Area's freeways. Patrol routes are selected based on several factors, including a high rate of traffic and congestion, frequent accidents or stalls, and lack of shoulder space for disabled vehicles.

The FSP tow trucks operate primarily during morning and afternoon commute hours, generally from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend service is provided in Napa, as well as seasonally along Highway 17, and in some other locations on Sunday.

FSP tow trucks are equipped for nearly any contingency. In addition to the standard auto repair and towing equipment, they carry 5 gallons of diesel fuel, 5 gallons of unleaded gasoline, and 5 gallons of water, as well as an external speaker and public address system.

Funding

The tow trucks are financed with federal, state and local moneys. Local funds come from the MTC SAFE, which is financed by a $1 annual vehicle registration fee in participating counties. The service costs approximately $7 million a year to operate. Another $2 million is invested in sophisticated communications equipment, including an automatic vehicle location system that enables CHP and Caltrans to monitor the location of the trucks and improve dispatching efficiency.

Updated June 8, 2007 14:38