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August 31, 2001 |
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Service
Rescues Stranded Motorists, Lessens Freeway Congestion
Tow
truck drivers, MTA, Caltrans and CHP officials today joined grateful
motorists in marking the 10th anniversary of the Metro Freeway
Service Patrol (MFSP), one of the most successful and cost-effective
programs for easing traffic jams on Los Angeles County freeways. "One
way we can move more cars on our freeways is to make sure motorists
don't get squeezed by traffic jams," said MTA Board Chairman John
Fasana. "Metro Freeway Service Patrol has helped keep freeway traffic
moving by coming to the aid of stranded motorists." The
$20 million annual program is largely funded by MTA, which has partnered
with CHP and Caltrans to administer the program. Approximately 70 percent
of the funding comes from local sales tax monies, the remainder from state
highway funds. In
the past decade MFSP tow truck drivers have assisted nearly 3 million
stranded motorists. Some 145 trucks patrol 422 miles of freeway in Los
Angeles County. They operate mainly during rush hours with some midday and
weekend service. When alerted by CHP or when roving MFSP drivers spot a
disabled vehicle that has conked out in traffic, they quickly try to get
the vehicle started again or tow it to a safe location off the freeway. "Ironically,
even though we've helped nearly 3 million people, the Metro Freeway
Service Patrol is still the best kept secret in Los Angeles, " Fasana
added. "That's a problem because some motorists delay the drivers from
helping them for fear they'll be ripped off. Once traffic starts backing
up, it takes a long time to ease the bottleneck." Motorists
can easily identify MFSP tow trucks by noting the FSP and "M" Metro
logos on the side of the truck. Drivers also wear the same patch on their
uniforms. MFSP
drivers typically respond within five minutes of a breakdown compared to
about 20 minutes if someone has to call a private towing service for
freeway assistance. There
is no charge to motorists, however, the savings in time and money to
commuters is huge. It is estimated that each year MFSP prevents nearly 22
million vehicle hours of traffic delays. That translates into an estimated
$218 million in wages, sales and productivity costs that would have been
incurred if traffic were delayed. Moreover,
preventing those traffic delays reduces more than 3,000 tons of air
pollutants from being emitted into the atmosphere by idling vehicles each
year. It also saves about 9 million gallons of fuel. "The
benefits of the Freeway Service Patrol, not only in terms of Today's
10th anniversary ceremony was held in the Dodger Stadium
parking lot overlooking busy freeways. Among participants was former
Assemblyman Richard Katz who was instrumental in getting MFSP started. Bob
Taylor and Alva Corral, motorists who have been assisted by Metro Freeway
Service Patrol drivers, also were on hand to thank the drivers in person. "This
experience allowed me to use the FSP service for the first time and as a
taxpayer I am happy to know that my money is being spent in an excellent
program," said Alva Corral in a May 3, 2001, letter to MFSP. "As
a stranded motorist I realize that this program helps virtually all who
travel on our local freeways, from the stranded commuter to the motorist
traveling on the freeway, by quickly clearing stalled vehicles and
reducing potential traffic jams." Based
on its success in Los Angeles, the program has been expanded statewide. "The
California Highway Patrol's commitment to this very worthwhile program
coincides with our dedication to keep our freeways moving," said Skip
Carter, chief of CHP's southern division. "The Metro Freeway Service
Patrol has played a very integral part in assisting the motoring public,
and we are very grateful for each dedicated employee's contribution."
Known
outside Los Angeles County as the Freeway Service Patrol, the program can
be found in nine other metropolitan areas in California, including the Bay
Area, Orange County and San Diego County. For
more information about the Metro Freeway Service Patrol, call the MSFP
Hotline at (213) 922-2957 or log on to MTA's web site at www.mta.net. MTA-120 |
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