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 stranded motorists.

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 service was 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 (January 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 (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas (December 25)

The Freeway Service Patrol covers a total of approximately 23 miles of freeway in both directions, including a 15.8-mile stretch along the H-1 Freeway from Kunia Road to University Avenue, a 4.8-mile stretch along the H-201 Moanalua Freeway, and 2.1 miles of the H-2 Freeway from the H-1/H-2 interchange to Ka Uka Boulevard.

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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, H-2 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 (diesel is not available)

If your vehicle is not able to start, Freeway Service Patrol drivers may 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, FSP is not equipped to tow heavy vehicles. Also, if vehicles are involved in an accident, vehicles will not be towed unless directed by the Honolulu Police Department. FSP pick-up trucks are equipped with towing straps and can pull vehicles to the side of the freeway, out of the lanes of traffic.

Motorists should call 841-HELP and know that FSP tow trucks are 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) uses advanced technology to monitor its trucks. Using a computer program called Track Star®, DOT is able to monitor each Freeway Service Patrol truck embedded with a 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 City & County of Honolulu's Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services Departments and its Department of Transportation Services, have been key in developing the program's operational procedures. The Honolulu Police Department plays a critical role in the process and developed procedures so that the Freeway Service Patrol will be properly contacted in the event of vehicle accidents. HPD will respond to calls to 911 outside of the Freeway Service Patrol service area and hours of operation; and HFD and EMS 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. In October 2011, three pick-up trucks were added to the fleet at a cost of $45,000 each.

Yes, these trucks are specially designed to remove stalled vehicles from the road quickly. Instead of a traditional tow with a hook, the six original Freeway Service Patrol tow trucks are equipped with low-profile wheel lifts to tow vehicles quickly and efficiently. The three pick-up trucks are capable of using tow straps to pull vehicles out of the traffic lanes in order to keep traffic moving.

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 $2 million annually with $1.8 million coming from the Federal Government and the remaining $200,000 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 DOT calculated the average benefit-cost for the first two years of FSP service at just under 8:1. This means that for every dollar spent, motorists received almost $8 in benefits. These benefits are measured in terms of reduction in delay, vehicle-hours, savings in fuel, and decreases in emissions. 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 FSP program began as a two-year program, with the option for the DOT to continue the program with two one-year extensions. The option was exercised in June 2011, with the extension of the program for a third year.

Yes, if the program continues to be successful, the DOT would like to expand the Freeway Service Patrol to other areas of the freeway. Already, the coverage area has been increased twice since June 2009. The first expansion provided additional coverage from H-1/H-2 interchange to H-1 at Kunia and H-2 at Ka Uka Boulevard. The second expansion provided FSP service on the H-1 Freeway from Kalihi to the University Avenue interchange.

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.)

To request Freeway Service Patrol services, call 841-HELP.

You may request additional information about the Hawaii Freeway Service Patrol by writing or calling:

Department of Transportation, State of Hawaii
Phone: 587-2160
Fax: 587-2313
Email: dotpao@hawaii.gov
PO Box 37580
Honolulu, Hawaii 96837-9989