TRIMARC operates Freeway Service Patrols in partnership with Samaritania, Inc., a company specializing in providing professional roadside assistance in communities such as Chicago, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Providence and Washington DC. The "TRIMARC Freeway Service Patrol", is provided free to motorists as part of the TRIMARC Freeway Management System under the direction of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
One of the primary goals of TRIMARC is to increase safety along our interstates. This freeway service patrol program is a key element of the overall project, since disabled vehicles contribute to the congestion and accidents along our interstates. The TRIMARC Freeway Service Patrol vehicles will supplement the two Hoosier Helper roadside assistance vehicles that currently operate in southern Indiana under INDOT.
The freeway service patrol vans are specially designed and equipped vehicles to quickly and safely respond to stranded motorists during peak travel times on the interstates. The vehicles are equipped with strobed lighting so they can be easily seen on the roadway. Freeway Service Patrol drivers will have gas, diesel, water, oil, and transmission fluids to service disabled vehicles. Drivers will also assist in changing flat tires with a built in compressor for jacking-up the vehicle and filling tires. A cell phone will be available to the motorists to contact repair/towing services if the vehicle cannot be readily repaired along the road.
Samaritania's drivers have a multitude of talents and certifications. They are Nationally Certified Auto Mechanics and Nationally Certified Animal Control Officers. The drivers also receive training in firefighting, hazardous materials handling and emergency medical response. The drivers are capable of making numerous on-site auto repairs, providing gas, oil, or other needed vehicle fluids, and is in direct communication with Louisville Metro Police or other agencies to request assistance when needed.
The TRIMARC Freeway Service Patrols operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TRIMARC also operates the patrols for two of Louisville's busiest days, Thunder-Over-Louisville and the Kentucky Derby.
In 2008, the Freeway Service Patrol vans made over 16,000 stops along the interstates in the Metro Louisville area providing assistance to motorists, inspecting abandoned vehicles, and assisting public safety officials.
INDOT also operates a similar service with their Hoosier Helper program in Southern Indiana. The service in this region provides additional safety to our stranded motorists. Hoosier Helpers has been operational since May 1999. Two vehicles operate from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM weekdays and during special events. Service is provided on I-64 from SR 62/64 to the Sherman Minton Bridge over the Ohio River, I-65 from the Kennedy Bridge over the Ohio River to Memphis Road (Exit 16), and I-265 from I-64 to I-65. Hoosier Helpers do cross the Ohio River into Kentucky to turn around to assure complete coverage in Indiana on I-64 and I-65 and to provide service to motorists on these critical river crossings.
