Comment Log Display

Freeway Service Patrol is a Caltrans congestion mitigation program
operated by 14 local agencies across the state.  As a program we
operate over 300 clean diesel tow trucks during peak commuting
hours to assist motorists with disabled vehicles.  
Disabled vehicles on the freeway environment reduce freeway speeds
due to rubber necking and secondary accidents.  Reduced freeway
speeds increase vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.  Two things
that this board is working to reduce.  Freeway Service Patrol
program quickly assists motorists with disabled vehicles which
enables traffic to return to normal speeds.
This is a public service program funded by state and local tax
dollars, where premature implementation of zero emissions tow
trucks could increase program costs, reduce service levels and
reliability which may translate to increased congestion, emissions,
and fuel consumption.
I ask that this board have staff reach out to Caltrans to discuss
the possibility of exempting this program from the zero emissions
requirement till we can determine that the technology for tow
trucks has matured and can meet our program requirements.  I have
also asked Caltrans to reach out to the CARB to discuss the
possibility of an exemption.