The Point: RCTC salutes Freeway Service Patrol drivers who provide exceptional service to drivers in need  

Being stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or dead battery can ruin an otherwise perfectly sunny day. The Riverside County Transportation Commission administers a Freeway Service Patrol program in partnership with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol to help stranded motorists on busy highways in western Riverside County. From taping radiator hoses and changing tires, to towing you to the nearest CHP-approved location, this free service keeps traffic moving and helps prevent secondary accidents.

Every year, RCTC staff reviews the prior year assists and data-entry statistics and recognizes exemplary FSP drivers based on their stellar performance and positive reviews from motorists. Although there was no red carpet or gold statuettes, the following FSP drivers were honored in a virtual ceremony with certificates and pre-delivered lunchtime barbecue. The 2020 award winners were:

  • David Camberos (Pepe’s Towing), Top Driver Award – 3,870 assists with an impressive 0% data-entry error rate
  • Alex Alvarado (Coastal Pride Towing), Driver of Excellence Award – 2,998 assists with a data-entry error rate of 0.9%
  • Marquis Jones (Coastal Pride Towing), Rookie of the Year Award – 3,058 assists for his first year
  • Manuel Gonzalez-Moreno (Pepe’s Towing), Most Assists Award – 2,679 assists
  • George Ballesteros (Pepe’s Towing), Public Choice Award – 48 positive comments

“Freeway Service Patrol drivers are heroes to many stranded motorists who live or drive in Riverside County,” said RCTC Chair and Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik. “Our FSP drivers are quick to respond, are friendly, and keep our roads safe. It is impressive to see the number of people our FSP drivers helped in 2020. Each of those assists mean the world to the motorists in need,” she said.

The FSP program is funded by Caltrans and RCTC, with additional funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction for special weekend service. FSP operates Monday through Friday (except on some holidays) from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the morning commute, and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the afternoon commute. Friday afternoon service begins early from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about FSP.