The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Program is a coordinated regional effort by Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Program provides assistance to motorists stranded on freeways in the event of minor accidents or disabled vehicles, and provides prompt clearance of traffic incidents. The Freeway Service Patrol helps prevent further loss of life and property by helping to eliminate potential secondary crashes and minimize the impact of freeway incidents on the flow of traffic through the urban areas. The FSP addresses most of the goals of the Freeway Incident Management System, a component of the region’s 2001 Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan. The objectives of the current program are to: - Improve freeway safety by assisting motorists stranded due to disabled vehicles.
- Facilitate prompt removal of vehicles abandoned on freeway shoulders.
- Provide assistance to DPS officers at traffic incident scenes.
- Reduce secondary crashes by assisting in prompt clearance of minor incidents.
- Reduce road hazards by removal of debris on the roadway.
The program was first launched in 2000 by MAG, as a pilot project, utilizing $750,000 in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds received by the region for transportation system improvements. During the first two years, the program was closely monitored using service statistics and user feedback information gathered by DPS and compiled by project partner AAA Arizona. Due to the clear demonstration of benefits in improving safety on the freeway system, the program was incorporated in the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) that was approved by voters in Maricopa County in November 2004. The FSP program is currently fully funded through the year 2026 with RTP funds that totals nearly $21.5 million. These funds will support both FSP capital expenses and operating costs. New vehicles, as needed, and additional personnel will be funded to keep abreast of the expanding regional freeway system. FSP Operation, Coverage and Hours:  
As of September 2007 the FSP has eight vehicles and ten operators. Eventually 16 vehicles and 16 Roadside Motorist Assistants (RMA) will be providing services covering 334 freeway mileswithin MAG region.
Coverage: The entire freeway system in Maricopa County
Hours of Operation:
Weekdays 6:30 – 9:00 AM & 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Weekends: As needed depending on weekend traffic generating events Figure 1 shows the quarterly statistics on miles driven by the Roadside Motorist Assistants in 2001 and 2005. 
Figure 1 Quarter Statistics on Miles Driven by RMA Every year, over 10,000 assists are provided by the Freeway Service Patrol Program within MAG region. Figure 2 shows the assists the FSP program provided by category. 
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