WASHINGTON — Now that the 95 Express Lanes are our new reality, here’s one free feature you might not know about.  It’s an emergency road service called “Express Assist.”  It’s also available on the 495-Express Lanes.

“Express Assist” says Mike McGurk, a spokesman with Transurban, is a free emergency assistance service. He says, “A lot of people don’t realize we monitor the entire road 27/7.”   He says they monitor both the 95 & 495 Express Lanes.

If they see you pulled over on the shoulder, they’ll dispatch an “Express Assist” vehicle to offer assistance.  McGurk says, “They’ll do basic mechanical things (like) fix a flat, jump start, give you a little bit of gas to get you on your way.”

The “Express Assist” service is free —  but if you need a tow truck that might cost you, and you might have to pay for the toll for that tow truck.  McGurk says you need to check with your insurance company about whether towing and tolls are covered.

He says while you’re waiting for that tow, they’ll help make sure you’re safe by placing a big warning light behind your car until help arrives.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.