The Freeway Service Patrol is responsible for clearing the freeway of automobiles, motorcycles, small trucks (vehicles with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less) and small debris. The Freeway Service Patrol vehicle operators contracting with the Transportation Agency provide "quick fix" items to motorists, e.g., furnishing one gallon of gasoline, changing flat tires, providing a "jump" start, taping or repairing cooling system hoses, refilling radiators or similar minor repairs. They also provide towing for minor collisions. If the disabled vehicle cannot be repaired on site, it is towed to a California Highway Patrol designated drop location. In that case, the motorist can request the vehicle operator to contact the California Highway Patrol Communication center to call a rotational tow, specified tow or a friend/relative to assist them. The Freeway Service Patrol program is managed by a partnership of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, the California Department of Transportation, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) currently operates four beats on three road segments. Beat 1 operates on Highway 101 from Airport Boulevard in Salinas to the San Benito County line. Beat 2 operates on State Route 1 from Rio Road in Carmel to Highway 183 in Castroville. Temporary Beat 3 operates on Highway 101 from Airport Boulevard in Salinas to Main Street in Chualar. Temporary Beat 4 operates a non-tow service truck along Beat 2. FSP drivers patrol these beats during times of peak traffic congestion from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To accommodate increased tourist traffic during the summer months, modified beats operate on Highway 101 on Sundays and State Route 1 on Saturdays. Modified beats also operate on specific holidays. The CHP may also approve work in excess of regular service hours.
In March 2017, the Agency issued a request for proposals for a new four-year contract (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021). After an extensive evaluation process, including site visits and inspections, the evaluation committee, formed with members from the California Highway Patrol, Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission and the Transportation Agency, determined that the existing contractor, California Towing and Transport, had the best ability to meet requirements set forth in the Scope of Work. The review panel unanimously recommended the company for both the Beat 1 and Beat 2 contracts.
In May 2018, the Agency authorized funding work orders for temporary service along Highway 101 (Beat 3) and State Route 1 (Beat 4), expiring on May 31, 2019. In May 2019, the Agency authorized funding for work orders for temporary service of these same two beats through June 30, 2020. In June 2020, these work orders were amended to extend temporary service. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has expressed their desire to continue these temporary services in order to better address the need for motorist assistance. These additional temporary services run during the same days and times as the original two services.
The current contract allows for work orders to provide additional service if the service is determined to be needed by the Agency. Given the interest expressed by the CHP in continuing the expanded service, and the expected increase in demand during the summer travel season, staff recommends authorizing the use of $100,000 from State Freeway Service Patrol and Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways funding to continue temporary service through June 30, 2021. This time frame will allow staff to evaluate the feasibility of expanding the service on a permanent basis.