The Freeway Service Patrol is a proven traffic congestion relief program that saves motorists time and money. It provides free emergency roadside service to motorists, keeps the freeways clear and prevents traffic from backing up and causing longer commute times, especially during peak rush hours. Less time on the road also means everyone saves on fuel costs and reduced emissions. It has been successfully implemented in many urban areas across the country such as Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, Orange County, Florida, Maryland, New York and many others.

Studies show bottlenecks from stopped vehicles create a chain reaction, and can cause “secondary accidents” which create more traffic congestion and delays. Clearing the freeways keeps Hawai’i moving and everyone safe.

The Freeway Service Patrol is a pilot program of the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and is designed to help motorists who are stranded on the H-1 and Moanalua (H-201 and Route 78) freeways. 

The goal is to quickly clear the freeway so that traffic does not back up and to minimize “secondary accidents” from occurring. Helping motorists with stalled vehicles by getting their vehicles started again or towed off the freeway, ensures they are no longer in harm’s way and allows other motorists to smoothly continue their travel.

Freeway Service Patrol tow trucks were launched on June 17, 2009.

The Freeway Service Patrol is available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day (Jan. 1)
• Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January)
• President’s Day (third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Veterans Day (Nov. 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas (Dec. 25)

The Freeway Service Patrol covers the H-1 Freeway, between the H-1 and H-2 interchange at the western end and the Likelike Highway off-ramp at the eastern end. Roving patrol service is also provided along the entire length of Moanalua Freeway, between the Halawa Interchange and Middle Street.

These sections were selected because they are areas with the highest traffic volumes and the greatest potential for stalled vehicles and/or incidents which would have an adverse impact on traffic congestion.

To take advantage of these free services, call 841-HELP (841-4357) to contact the Freeway Service Patrol between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for holidays. Watch for the Freeway Service Patrol name and Hawaii’s Department of Transportation seal on the trucks that will operate on the H-1 and Moanalua freeways.

The Freeway Service Patrol program works closely with the Honolulu Police Department. The HPD will respond to 911 distress calls when the Freeway Service Patrol is off-duty (see operating hours) or in locations outside of the FSP service areas.

The Freeway Service Patrol offers a variety of services to assist motorists with their stalled vehicles. These services include:

• Changing flat tires
• Jump starting cars as a result of dead batteries
• Radiator refills
• Making temporary repairs
• Providing gallon of gasoline (we do not provide diesel)

If your vehicle is not able to start, Freeway Service Patrol drivers will tow your vehicle to an off-freeway location. The Freeway Service Patrol has identified designated areas as drop off sites. Drivers are not allowed to tow your vehicle to your home or to a repair or maintenance shop. Their sole purpose is to help motorists with stalled vehicles on the freeway, so the Freeway Service Patrol drivers must return to the freeway as soon as possible.

Once you have been towed to a safe location off the freeway, you may then contact the towing company of your choice or your insurance company to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop. If you wish, the Freeway Service Patrol driver will stay with you until help arrives. Freeway Service Patrol drivers are prohibited from making recommendations for towing companies. The Honolulu Police Department will also assist you in contacting an approved zone tow service company.

No, we are not equipped to tow heavy vehicles. Also, if vehicles are involved in an accident, we will not tow the vehicles unless it’s at the direction of the Honolulu Police Department.

The tow trucks will be patrolling the freeway, so they will already be on the road and searching for stalled vehicles to help. In addition, all Freeway Service Patrol vehicles will be monitored by a global positioning system (GPS) to gauge where they are and how they can be utilized.

Outside of the Freeway Service Patrol hours of operation and locations of service, the HPD will respond to calls for assistance at 911.

How does the GPS System Work?

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) will be using advanced technology to monitor its trucks. Using a computer program called Track Star, DOT will be able to monitor each Freeway Service Patrol truck embedded with GPS device. The locations and movements of all of the trucks in the fleet can be seen in real time.

Outside of the Freeway Service Patrol hours of operation and locations of service, the HPD will respond to calls for assistance at 911.

The Honolulu Police Department along with the Honolulu Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and the City & County of Honolulu Department of Transportation, have been key in developing the program’s operational procedures. The Honolulu Police Department plays a critical role in the process and developed the procedures so that the Freeway Service Patrol would be properly contacted in the event of vehicle accidents. HPD will respond to calls to 911 outside of the Freeway Service Patrol locations and hours of operation and HFD will respond appropriately as needed.

The tow trucks were built specifically for the Freeway Service Patrol in Hawaii and each costs about $80,000 to build and equip.

Yes, these trucks are specially designed to remove stalled vehicles from the road quickly. Instead of a traditional tow with a hook, the Freeway Service Patrol tow trucks are equipped low-profile wheel lifts to tow vehicles quickly and efficiently.

All drivers must take a rigorous training session of classroom and in-field instruction and then must pass a Freeway Service Patrol program proficiency test. Since the Freeway Service Patrol team may often be the first on the scene, the drivers receive extensive training on the mechanics of tow and dispatch operations, vehicle inspection and maintenance and basic car repair.

Certified Freeway Patrol Service drivers have been trained in basic first-aid and CPR. They have also received specialized training in fire extinguishing and recognizing hazardous materials. The training also includes incident management response, safety precautions, and customer service. Last but not least, all drivers must pass substance abuse training and are subject to random testing.

The pilot program costs about $3.9 million, with $3.51 million coming from the Federal Government and the remaining $390,000 from the Hawai`i State Department of Transportation. While this may seem like a lot, studies show that for every tax dollar spent on Freeway Service Patrol services, the public can realize a benefit to cost ratio of many times above the amount spent to fund the program. A recent study by the University of California, Berkeley calculated the average benefit to cost ratio was over 8:1 among that state’s regional FSP programs. These ratios do not factor in the benefits associated with air quality improvement or collision reduction.

No. Freeway Service Patrol drivers are not allowed to receive payment or tips at any time.

The Freeway Service Patrol program is being operated by Telvent Farradyne, Inc. (www.telvent.com), in collaboration with Island Wide Towing. The program includes FSP dispatch services, fleet management, tow truck operational training, and other duties as needed. All FSP drivers are employed by Telvent.

This will be a two-year program, with the option for the DOT to continue the program with two one-year extensions. If the pilot program is successful, Freeway Service Patrol coverage is expected to be expanded.

Yes, if the program is successful, we would eventually like to expand the freeway Service Patrol to other areas of the freeway.

You can help prevent your vehicle from having a breakdown on the freeway by taking some precautions and through regular maintenance.

• Check your gas gauge; fill up when it reaches a quarter tank
• Check the coolant level
• Maintain proper air pressure in your tires
• Check the tread in your tires on a regular basis
• Keep your vehicle in sound mechanical condition

Despite your best efforts, if you have a breakdown, call 841-HELP (841-4357). Freeway Service Patrol will be on the way to help you. (If out of the FSP service area or after hours, call 911.)

You may get information on the Hawaii Freeway Service Patrol at the following numbers and email address:

Department of Transportation, Public Affairs Office
Phone: 587-2160
Fax: 587-2313
Email: dotpao@hawaii.gov