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FREEWAY SERVICE PATROL |
Have you seen them, the "Heroes in White Trucks?" They patrol during peak
commuter hours along the 14 mile stretch of Interstate 205. The I-205
Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is composed of specially trained service
and tow truck drivers who help stranded motorists during what can be a
very scary and dangerous situation. Each day FSP drivers rescue numerous motorists with car
problems. The goal of FSP is to safely keep the traffic moving,
and reduce congestion caused when cars are disabled next to or on the
freeway.
FSP can assist you with the following
services: change a flat tire; jump start your car; tape hoses; refill
your radiator; or even give you a gallon of gas to get to the next
service station. If FSP cannot get your car running within a few minutes, they will tow your car to the nearest
California Highway Patrol (CHP) identified location off the freeway. If
needed the FSP driver will transport you to the nearest pay phone or
call CHP to request additional assistance for you.
Questions and Answers:
How will I recognize the I-205 Freeway Service Patrol?
All FSP trucks are white with the FSP logo easily
recognizable on the doors (see logo to the left.) In additional all FSP
drivers wear a blue uniform and baseball cap with the FSP logo.
Can I call for service if my car breaks down?
No. FSP patrols I-205 during commuter hours. If your car
breaks down during FSP roaming hours (see below for hours), they will
pull up behind you and assist you, free of charge.
Are the I-205 FSP drivers certified?
Yes, Drivers receive their certification after completing
a Caltrans and CHP training program.
Will the I-205 FSP tow me to a private repair facility?
No. The I-205 FSP can tow vehicles only to CHP identified
locations. FSP drivers are prohibited from recommending tow service
companies, or repair or body shops.
Are there any costs or tips involved?
No! Drivers are not allowed to accept any kind of
compensation for their services. FSP is a program funded by the San
Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG), Caltrans and the California
Highway Patrol.
What hours does FSP operate?
FSP runs Monday through Friday from 5:15 am to 8:45 am and from 2:15 pm
to 6:45 pm. Also, on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm (holiday hours
vary.)
For additional information on FSP, contact SJCOG at (209) 468-3913.
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HAPPY CARPOOLERS
THIS COULD BE YOU! |
Victoria and Kimberly have been carpooling for almost 3 years, and they
love it! They live a little over a mile apart and work for the City of Tracy. By carpooling, they have cut the cost of their commute
in half. They are excited that in the past 3 years they have saved an
enormous amount of money! With a 60 mile round trip commute, working an
average of 22 days per month at 22 miles per gallon and an average cost
of fuel in the last 3 years of $3.50 per gallon, Victoria and Kimberly
have each saved $140 per month or $1,680 per year.
Multiply that by 3 years for a savings of over $5,000! That
could be a memorable vacation getaway, money in the bank, funds to pay
off a student loan or credit card debt. Who wouldn't like to have that
kind of extra cash?
Besides the cash savings, their
commute is less boring because they share stories and experiences. They
talk about recent wedding plans, home improvement projects, and favorite TV
shows. They keep each other sane during the outrageous traffic
jams, there's less wear and tear on their cars and every day there is an
extra parking space in their very crowded parking lot at work.
Victoria and Kimberly highly recommend
carpooling because besides all of the exciting things already mentioned,
they have become great friends! For more information on carpooling or to
obtain a new matchlist, visit our website at
www.commuteconnection.com.
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SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT - RULE 9410-
EMPLOYER BASED
TRIP REDUCTION |
The San
Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) is in the
process of developing Rule 9410
which would require larger employers to establish employee trip reduction
programs. These programs are designed to encourage employees to reduce
single-occupancy vehicle trips, thus reducing pollutant emissions
associated with work commutes.
This rule will apply to employers with 100+
eligible employees at one worksite, reporting to work between 6:00
am-10:00am and provides convenient menu-based strategy options for
employers to implement.
A public workshop was held in July with
another anticipated in September. The San Joaquin Council of
Governments/Commute Connection, served as a venue for San Joaquin County
employers to participate via video teleconferencing directly with the
district. it was a great opportunity for employers to provide feedback
and ask questions. Video Teleconferencing services will be offered again
in San Joaquin County for the September workshop. A public hearing and
possible rule adoption is scheduled for December 2009.
As your regional rideshare agency, many of
the strategy options this rule suggests are currently provided by
Commute Connection. Commute Connection may also assist with the
development of a custom program to suit your needs. Please contact
Yvette Davis (San Joaquin County) or Anthony Zepeda (Stanislaus County)
to assist you in developing a comprehensive commute program.
To view the draft rule and other related
information, please visit the SJVAPCD website at
http://www.valleyair.org/Workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm.
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