TxDOT’s HERO roadside assistance service expands service area in San Antonio

TxDOT is becoming a 'HERO’ to stranded motorists with free services

New roadside assistance program proves to be ‘HERO’ to local drivers

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Department of Transportation’s new program that helps stranded motorists in San Antonio is moving into phase two and expanding its service area.

The “Highway Emergency Response Operator” or HERO service launched in August with free roadside assistance for stranded motorists who have flat tires, run out of gas, need a jump-start or even a cellphone to use.

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The first phase of the program provided service Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in much of the northern half of San Antonio, on I-10 to Highway 46 in Boerne and on I-35 to the Hays County line.

“During the first month of service, the HERO program has successfully provided assistance at approximately 1,500 incidents. We are excited to continue to improve on the success of this program that has already benefited so many drivers,” said TxDOT San Antonio District Engineer Mario Jorge.

The second phase of the program goes into effect Monday with an expanded service area that includes parts of Loop 1604, all of Loop 410, I-10 East to Loop 1604, Highway 90 to 1604 and Highway 151 to 1604.

TxDOT's new HERO program will provide roadside assistance along 239 miles of highway in the greater San Antonio area. (TxDOT)

In November, the HERO service will expand to 24 hours a day, seven days a week with full service provided Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m and limited service provided Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and 24 hours a day Saturday and Sunday.

TxDOT's new HERO program will provide roadside assistance along 239 miles of highway in the greater San Antonio area.

If you need to request assistance you can call 210-732-HERO.

Here’s a list of all the services provided:

  • Relocate disabled vehicles to safety
  • Remove minor crashes from roadways
  • Provide traffic and lane control at crash scenes
  • Remove debris
  • Assist first responders at crash scenes
  • Change flat tires
  • Give air to low tires
  • Add gasoline and water
  • Perform minor vehicle repairs
  • Jump-start batteries
  • Provide drinking water and cellphone services to stranded motorists

About the Authors

Julie Moreno has worked in local television news for more than 25 years. She came to KSAT as a news producer in 2000. After producing thousands of newscasts, she transitioned to the digital team in 2015. She writes on a wide variety of topics from breaking news to trending stories and manages KSAT’s daily digital content strategy.

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.

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