What is the Gulf Coast Regional Tow and Go Program?
The Gulf Coast Regional Tow and Go Program is a program that provides free towing services to motorists who are stranded on Houston freeways that have camera coverage on the roadway. The initiative came from Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) as a result of the increasing congestion along Houston roadways. Wrecker truck drivers will also assist in changing flat tires under certain circumstances.
Qualified Tows
Each tow must be authorized by law enforcement. The approval for Tow and Go clearance can come from a law enforcement officer being physically present or from the Houston TranStar traffic center, where stranded motorists are easily identifiable. All tow truck operators contracted by the program have met strict selection standards and completed roadway safety and traffic incident management training.
How Far Will the Gulf Coast Regional Tow & Go Tow a Stranded Motorist?
The Tow and Go program will tow a stranded motorist up to one mile from the pickup location.
What Vehicles Does the Gulf Coast Regional Tow and Go Program Apply To?
The Tow and Go program provides free towing services for motorcycles, automobiles, and trailers (when possible) that break down due to mechanical failure on a Houston freeway with camera coverage. Types of mechanical failure covered by the Tow and Go program include:
- Flat tires
- Running out of gas
- Vehicle overheating
- Unexpected vehicle defects.
The tow driver contracted under the Tow and Go program will assist any stalled vehicles experiencing these mechanical failures, within the program’s service area, by towing them to a safe location within a mile of where the vehicle was stalled. If you have a flat tire and the equipment necessary to fix it, including a spare tire, the Tow and Go operator will change the tire at no cost.
Program Expansion Anticipated in the Future
Eventually, the H-GAC hopes to expand this program to access freeways in neighboring counties where camera coverage is available and funding is allowed. The H-GAC manages the Tow and Go Program through funding they receive by the Federal Highway Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation.
What if I Use a Private Towing Service?
Towing services like AAA and Better World Club must arrive before a law enforcement official monitoring the freeway has authorized a Tow and Go service. Personal roadside assistance programs can also meet the Tow and Go driver at a safe location after being cleared from the freeway.
What Vehicles Are Not Covered Under the Tow and Go Program?
Abandoned vehicles, car accidents, and other vehicles involved in police scenes are not eligible for the Tow and Go services. The program is intended to help vehicle owners avoid day and nighttime shoulder accidents by getting their stalled vehicles away from the highway.
Tow and Go Phone Number and Other Available Resources
The phone number to access Tow and Go services is 713-881-3333. There is also a website dedicated to explaining how the Tow and Go program works, including what to do when you get stuck. Simply go to towandgo.com to learn more about the initiative.
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