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Free Road Assistance Now Covers 239 Miles Of Area Roadways

Shortly before Mayor Ron Nirenberg's initial COVID-19 lockdown order went into action in March, I-35 was quiet.
Kathleen Creedon | Texas Public Radio

Free roadside assistance is now available to local motorists through the HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) program, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The $4 million program is funded by the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and TxDOT.

It is managed by Serco, Inc.

TxDOT spokeswoman Laura Lopez said the program is now fully operational on 239 miles of San Antonio-area roadways after a phased start-up.

“Our Heroes assist stranded motorists by helping to change a flat tire, providing air to low tires, adding gasoline and water, performing minor vehicle repairs, jump starting batteries and also providing drinking water and cell phone service to stranded motorists,” Lopez said.

The Heroes will also remove debris from freeways and assist clearing crash sites. The service is available from 5 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and offers some limited weekend service.

Call 210-732-HERO for roadside assistance.

“The HERO program has proven to be a valuable service for the greater San Antonio area community,” said Mario Jorge, San Antonio District Engineer. “Since the launch of the service, our HERO drivers have assisted an average of one driver every 10 minutes. We are excited to continue to improve on the success of this program that has already benefited so many drivers.”

The HERO program rolled out three phases over as many months.

Phase I launched Aug. 31 with service available on five routes, and Phase II began on Sept. 28 with service on 10 routes. Both phases offered service on weekdays from 5 a.m.–9 p.m.

Monday’s launch of Phase III, will bring the addition of limited service available on nights and weekends.

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