Emergency Response Operator Patrol Service Program Expands

Highway Stranded motorist assistance program adds more than 50 miles to coverage area.

The Texas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, plans to expand the Highway Emergency Response Operator, or HERO, patrol service program to cover 120 miles on five major central Texas highways. On Sept. 28, the Mobility Authority approved an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT to expand the HERO patrol service program through January 31, 2018.

Starting Oct. 1, 2016, the HERO program will be extended into Hays County and by the end of the year, TxDOT will add coverage on I-35, US 183, SH 71, Loop 1 (MoPac), and US 290 West for a total of an additional 53 miles. Currently, the HERO program only operates on 67 miles of I-35 and US 183.

“The intent of the HERO program is to preserve roadway capacity for the traveling public by removing obstacles from the roadway and shoulders,” said Tim Reilly, Director of Operations for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. “Assisting stranded motorists helps ensure safety for all involved – and keeps Central Texans moving.”

The free roadside assistance service responds to approximately 10,000 incidents each year and helps to improve roadway safety and relieve congestion. In 2013, the highways currently patrolled by HERO saw a 10 percent decrease in crashes and saw zero secondary crashes as a result of stranded vehicles, which helps prevent traffic back-ups. In addition, more than 60 percent of assists by HERO were cleared without involving other responders, so the program indirectly benefits the Austin Police Department and other first-responders. In 2015, the HERO program assisted more than 14,000 stranded motorists.

“Our goal for the HERO patrol service program is to improve roadway safety and clear lanes quickly so we can make a meaningful impact on addressing traffic congestion and improving safety,” said Terry McCoy, Austin District Engineer. “We are fortunate to have such great partnerships in the region to help this vision become reality. At the end of the day, this program changes lives for the better.”

The total cost of the program with the added sections is expected to cost $1.8 million per year. The price of the program will be shared between TxDOT and CAMPO. The Mobility Authority will continue to administer the program.

Motorists can call 512-974-HERO (4376) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. The HERO program can assist motorists and emergency responders in several ways:

• Changing a flat tire
• Filling vehicles with gasoline
• Jump-starting dead batteries
• Adding air to tires
• Calling towing or emergency vehicles
• Transporting motorists to a safe location
• Moving disabled vehicles to a safer location
• Providing cell phone service and water to motorists
• Removing debris from travel lanes and shoulders
• Aiding emergency response personnel

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Public Information Officer Kelli.Reyna@txdot.gov, (512) 832-7060 or Mobility Authority Director of External Affairs dheath@ctrma.org, (512) 996-9778.