Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) courtesy vans were removed from Metro Detroit freeways Sunday night, due to a dispute with the contractor.

MDOT terminated its contract with Emergency Rapid Response, a freeway courtesy patrol, and is changing vendors.

"It is unfortunate that they decided to end service now while still under contract," MDOT spokesperson Jeff Cranson said. "We hope this can be resolved and service can be resumed but for now, we will use the cameras to monitor the freeways in MDOT's Metro Region and make law enforcement aware of breakdowns when we see them."

The courtesy vans provide non-emergency road assistance to stranded drivers, including aid with flat tires and empty gas tanks. About 20 vans are typically on the freeways daily.

MDOT had asked the contractor to continue service for another 3.5 months, until the new vendor begins service.

"They have to, every year, put out a renewal for funds. We're going into year three," said Nick Bachand, general counsel for the contractor.

He said MDOT set a three-year contract and decided to cancel the contract earlier this year and "only wanted us to work for three months."

"They are proceeding to award the contract to an outside company that's never done business in the state of Michigan," Bachand added.

Monday would have marked the beginning of the third year for the three-year contract with Emergency Rapid Response, Cranson said.

"The contracts were put out for bid earlier this year as MDOT saw the opportunity to align the timeline for the contracts," Cranson said. "The new vendor begins the service Jan. 11, 2019, and we expected the current vendor would continue the service in Metro until then."

Bachand said MDOT wanted his team to sign onto a contract for 3.5 months.

"Three days later, they asked another contractor to come in," Bachand said.

The new vendor begins Jan 11, 2019, Cranson said. MDOT is looking to switch to IncidentClear, LLC for Metro Detroit, which would cost about $5.4 million, along with Washtenaw and Livingston counties for about $853,000.