From changing a flat tire to helping someone who was just in minor fender bender, RCTC’s Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Program has assisted more than 26,000 motorists get back on the road in the first half of 2026.

The FSP roving trucks are constantly patrolling Riverside County’s 91 freeway along with large segments of the I-15, I-215, and SR-60, for stranded motorists in need of assistance. So, if you see a white FSP tow truck with a yellow and blue decal on the door approaching while you’re stranded on the freeway, help may be just moments away.

One Riverside County motorist, Gloria R., recently shared her experience with an FSP operator, saying “he was great overall! Assisted us with putting the spare, and even allowed me and my son to wait inside his patrol truck (with the AC) – it was a hot afternoon!”

Dinah G. said the “program really helped me in time of need. Helped ease my anxiety from being on the shoulder with vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed,” and Stefani D. praised an FSP driver’s professionalism, saying “he was confident and helped us to feel assured we were fine. He safely got us off the over ramp and assisted with the tire.”

Since the program’s inception in 1993, FSP drivers have helped more than one million stranded motorists on Riverside County highways.

FSP isn’t just about getting vehicles moving again; it’s about helping people stay safe during an unexpected roadside emergency. For more information about the FSP Program, please visit: rctc.org/fsp

Summer is winding down and many of us are gearing up for one last adventure on the open road. Whether you’re planning a long road trip or just commuting locally, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a safe, smooth ride. Here are some essential tips from RCTC to help you travel smart this season.

Before you set out, it’s critical to inspect your vehicle. Check your tires, brakes, fluids, and lights to ensure everything is in good working order. It’s a good idea to stock your car with some key emergency items like a spare tire/sealant, first-aid kit, flashlight, and jumper cables. Also, don’t forget to pack water, snacks, a phone charger, and any emergency supplies you might need.

Planning your route ahead of time can help you save time and avoid unnecessary frustration. Use resources like SoCal511.org or dial 511 for live traffic reports and transit planning assistance in southern California. This free service is an excellent resource for identifying rest stops and planning alternative routes when needed.

Despite all the best preparations, breakdowns can still occur. If you find yourself stranded on one of Riverside County’s many freeways, the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is available to help. These specially marked yellow and white tow trucks have the FSP logo. They cover key highways like the SR-91, I-15, SR-60, and I-215, and their drivers can assist with services like jump-starting your battery or providing a gallon of gas — at no cost to you.

If you experience a breakdown, remember to move your vehicle to the shoulder and stay inside with your seat belt fastened. FSP patrols operate mainly during peak commute times. If you need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to call 911 — especially if you are in a dangerous situation.

For non-emergencies, you can reach out to CHP Dispatch or your roadside assistance provider, or even a friend or family member for help.

As you travel along Riverside and San Bernardino County highways, you might notice all the roadside call boxes have been removed. With most drivers now using mobile phones to contact roadside assistance directly, call box usage has declined significantly in recent years. As a result, regional transportation agencies have begun phasing out the call box system in favor of more modern methods of assisting motorists. It’s important to keep this in mind when traveling throughout the Inland Empire.

Smart driving doesn’t just happen — it starts with small habits. A quick safety check and being prepared for the unexpected can turn any trip into a wonderful adventure. Enjoy your summer travels and stay safe out there!

This year’s award season has made its way to Riverside County. Every year, Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) drivers gather for the annual FSP Driver Awards – where five outstanding drivers are recognized for their efforts and the exceptional service they provided to stranded motorists over the past year. By providing free emergency assistance such as jump-starts, fuel, flat tire assistance, and towing to CHP-approved locations, FSP drivers help reduce traffic delays and secondary accidents.

Since the program began operation in 1993, FSP drivers have assisted more than a million motorists on Riverside County’s busiest highways. FSP tow trucks patrol the entirety of Riverside County’s SR-91, I-15 from SR-60 south to SR- 79/Temecula Parkway, SR- 60 from Milliken Avenue to Theodore Street, and the entirety of Riverside County’s I-215 during peak commute times. FSP also provides support for the SR-91 and I-15 Express Lanes and during special construction activity.

This year’s award winners demonstrated exemplary service that has become a hallmark of the FSP program and its drivers. Without further ado, this year’s winners are:

After receiving assistance, motorists are asked to complete a satisfaction survey, and the glowing remarks speak for themselves. “My saving grace, I was panicking really bad and their helpfulness made the stressful situation better. This was a blessing thank you,” says Maria C. After receiving assistance for a flat tire, Bryan K. had this to say, “We were pleasantly surprised to have help find us within minutes of a tire blowout. He had us safely on our way faster than we could have imagined. Thank you so much. Faith in humanity restored!”

The Riverside County FSP program is funded by Caltrans and RCTC, providing the roadside assistance to motorists free of charge, and is consistently ranked as one of the highest benefit-cost FSP programs across California – providing substantial service to cost efficiency. The program operates Monday through Friday (except on some holidays) from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the morning commute and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the afternoon commute. Friday afternoon service operates from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. FSP also operates mid-day service and weekend service on select beats.

To learn more about the FSP program, please visit: www.rctc.org/fsp

Awards season is upon us! RCTC held the annual Drivers’ Award meeting to celebrate the top Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) drivers of 2023. The awards recognized five drivers who provided exceptional service to stranded motorists on the busiest highways in western Riverside County. The entire team of FSP drivers also received recognition for their daily efforts to help keep commuters moving and traffic flowing.

The Freeway Service Patrol – or FSP – is a partnership between RCTC, the California Highway Patrol, and Caltrans to help stranded motorists with quick roadside assistance. These rapid assists keep motorists safe and allow traffic to keep flowing during peak commute times. From flat tires and dead batteries to overheated engines and empty gas tanks, FSP drivers come to the rescue to make these repairs and more at no charge. If they can’t get you back on the road, they will tow your vehicle to a safer location off the freeway.

Without further ado, here are the FSP drivers who won top honors:

FSP drivers make a substantial impact on the lives of western Riverside County motorists. In 2023 alone, the program helped over 56,000 county motorists that were stalled on local highways. The program was created in 1993 and marked 30 years of service in 2023 – assisting over a million motorists since its inception.

Motorist Alfonso R. shared some kind words about Carlos Castillo, this year’s Top Driver. “Carlos Castillo was incredibly helpful. Extremely safe. And very efficient. Thank you, Carlos, for helping me and my family! The service was amazing!” he said.

Driver of Excellence awardee David Camberos was also praised. Jenna G. said David, “was such a blessing. Saw us on the road and immediately helped. He was very kind, knowledgeable, and provided calmness in our chaos.”

And, of course, the People’s Choice winner, Robert Torres, received his share of praise from the public. Motorist Kayla J. had this to say, “Over the top professional and very helpful, if I were to get help again, I would love for Robert to be the one to help us.” Motorist Daniel T. shared, “Beyond exceptional professionalism, I was back on the road in less than five minutes. Robert was very helpful and had an immediate solution to my situation at hand.”

The Riverside County FSP program is ranked as one of the highest benefit/cost FSP programs across the state, meaning that it provides a lot of bang for the buck. The program is funded by Caltrans and RCTC and operates on the 91, on I-15 between the 60 and the 79, on the 60 from I-15 to Theodore Street, and the full length of I-215.

FSP operates Monday through Friday (except on some holidays) from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the morning commute and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the afternoon commute. Friday afternoon service operates from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. FSP also operates mid-day service and weekend service on select beats.

To learn more about this popular program, visit www.rctc.org/fsp.

RCTC honored the best and the brightest among its Freeway Service Patrol drivers at the annual Drivers’ Awards meeting this month. The awards recognized outstanding drivers and showed heartfelt appreciation to all tow truck drivers who provided exceptional service last year to motorists on our busiest highways in Riverside County.

The Freeway Service Patrol – or FSP – is a partnership between RCTC, the California Highway Patrol, and Caltrans to help stranded motorists with speedy roadside assistance. These rapid assists help keep motorists safe and traffic flowing in western Riverside County.

Got a flat tire, a dead battery, overheated engine, or bone-dry gas tank? FSP drivers swoop in to make these repairs and more at no charge. If they can’t get you back on the road, they will tow your vehicle to a designated CHP location.

So which FSP drivers earned these distinguished honors? The envelopes please!

“The most rewarding part of this job is assisting people,” said Camberos, who snagged the Top Driver award. “Many times they have children in the car and they’re panicking because they don’t know what to do. Getting them off the freeway or getting them on their way is the most rewarding part,” he said.

FSP drivers make a big difference in the lives of western Riverside County motorists. In 2022 alone, the program helped 63,550 county motorists stalled on local highways. The program was founded in 1993 and soon will mark 30 years of service in our county.

Motorist Irene C. had high praise for Atilano, who earned the People’s Choice Award. “He was heaven sent. From the minute he first made contact with me, he made sure that we were all safe. The company is lucky to have him,” she said.

Rookie of the Year honoree Huerta also received kudos. Veronica H. said, “It could potentially be a life saver. We were three older women stranded in a very dangerous part of the 215 South with lots of traffic and trucks. My car suddenly ran extremely hot, and we had to pull over and we had no water. We thank God for this angel.”

Across the state, the Riverside County FSP program is ranked as providing one of the highest benefit/cost FSP programs, meaning that it provides a lot of bang for the buck. The program is funded by Caltrans and RCTC and operates on the 91, on I-15 between the 60 and the 79, on the 60 from I-15 to Theodore Street, and on the full length of I-215.

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 operates from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. FSP also operates mid-day service and weekends on select beats.

To learn more about this popular program, visit www.rctc.org/fsp

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.

The Point: Pepe’s Towing President, General Manager each celebrate 25 years with Freeway Service Patrol 

A lot has changed over the years in the towing business, and Manny Acosta and Lorenzo Navarro have been in the drivers’ seats at Pepe’s Towing to see these changes first-hand. One thing that hasn’t changed over time, though, is Pepe’s dedication to family and safety, as well as to RCTC’s Freeway Service Patrol (FSP), which started in 1993.

Founded in 1978 by Jose “Pepe” Acosta, Pepe’s Towing has grown from one tow truck in Boyle Heights to a thriving business with 100 employees and 85 trucks in 14 locations. Manny Acosta, who is Pepe’s son, joined the company in 1987 and now serves as president. Navarro came on board in 1989 and is now the general manager. Both Acosta and Navarro recently marked 25 years with FSP and credit the program for making the industry safer and standardized.

“Before the Freeway Service Patrol came along, the towing industry was pretty independent – kind of the wild, wild west,” Acosta said. “The FSP adopted CHP standards and required drivers to follow a dress code, have more knowledge of equipment, strict safety compliance rules, and screening of drivers’ backgrounds and behavior. The CHP really pioneered and improved the towing industry.”

Just what is the FSP?  The program uses a fleet of roaming tow truck drivers, who help stranded motorists get back on the road and out of harm’s way on Riverside County’s busiest highways.

Drivers quickly fix flat tires, tape radiator hoses, jump-start batteries, or tow vehicles from the roadway, with no fees or tips accepted from motorists. The Riverside County Transportation Commission operates the program in partnership with the CHP and Caltrans.

RCTC’s FSP operations cover 129 miles across the western section of the county on I-15 and I-215, Routes 60 and 91, and the 91 Express Lanes. During the past 27 years, drivers have performed more than 945,000 “assists,” and are expecting to reach their one-millionth assist next year – wow! Four contracted companies – Coastal Pride Towing, Pepe’s Towing, Royal Coaches Towing, and Steve’s Towing – provide more than 75 drivers who operate 25 roving tow trucks along 12 “beats” or service areas (and an additional flatbed tow truck in the 91 Express Lanes) in Riverside County.

Pepe’s has been with RCTC FSP since 1995. They operate the program from their Moreno Valley facility, where Acosta and Navarro both work. Navarro’s son, Chris, also is part of the business, reflecting Pepe’s family values.

“This company is a big part of my life,” said Navarro. “I treat my employees like family.”

Acosta agrees. “We have marvelous people working for us. The strength of our company is our employees. We are blessed with good help and I consider them an extension of my family,” he said.

Both appreciate the changes that have come to the industry but note that it is a dangerous business with heavier traffic and more distracted and impaired motorists.

“In today’s world, the towing business is dangerous – traffic is heavy and more motorists are distracted, driving too fast and intoxicated,” Acosta said. “I give my employees a lot of credit and a lot of appreciation for the work they do every day. I also credit the CHP for doing a wonderful job to keep our drivers safe,” he said.

Safety is a core value for Pepe’s team. Navarro explains that the company holds meetings each month to teach and reinforce safety standards.

“At our safety meetings, we always learn something. I’ve been in this business for more than 40 years, and I still learn something new each time. We share ideas and our experiences so that everyone learns and all of our employees stay safe,” Navarro said. “We want every single person on our team to get home safely at the end of the day – our families are waiting for us. Our drivers are everyday heroes.”

Motivation isn’t a problem for either Navarro or Acosta. The job is all about serving others.

“Often the FSP is the first responder to a scene,” Acosta said. “Our tow truck drivers get people to safety. Seeing a person in the #1 lane who is frightened and being able to tow that person to someplace safe – that makes the job special. Just knowing you helped someone return home to his loved ones or her loved ones is so rewarding.”

Navarro also enjoys teaching his drivers. “You don’t have to be a white-collar professional; you can be a terrific tow truck driver.”

Outside of work, Navarro is a classic car buff and proud owner of two 1966 Mustangs – one is red with white stripes, the other is pearl white with navy stripes, complete with a “Pepes02” personalized license plate, and a white 1958 T-bird with a light turquoise top.

Company founder Jose Acosta died in 1992. “My dad got to see his company grow to eight trucks. I think he would be amazed to see us operating 85 trucks now in 14 locations,” Acosta said.

“I never thought I’d be a business owner – I consider myself a tow truck operator and still tow vehicles today.”

Learn more about FSP.

Service started June 28, 1993 with eight trucks on State Routes 60 and 91. During the early years, drivers performed about 16,000 assists per year. With the growth of the program, assists now number a whopping 40,000 each year.

And did we mention it’s free? FSP drivers also are not allowed to accept tips from motorists.

After each “assist,” motorists are asked to complete a satisfaction survey. So many motorists have compared their FSP drivers to superheroes that “Captain FSP” was created as the new FSP mascot.

“He appeared like an angel or a superhero, out of thin air, at precisely the perfect moment,” said one motorist. Another noted, “The driver is my hero of the year…such a great professional…he made me and my kid feel like everything was going to be okay, despite the situation.”