Pump Your Own Gas? Here's What Hillsborough Drivers Say

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — As some legislators continue to push for a self-serve gas fueling option, many drivers, including in Hillsborough, would prefer to sit tight in their car and be served.

A new bill introduced last month, dubbed the Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, would give gas stations the option of offering self-serve pumps while still requiring stations with more than four dispensers to continue to offer full-service gas pumps.

Supporters of the bill argue that allowing a self-serve option would cut the cost of gas in the state. The New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association estimated that stations could reduce prices by 15 cents per gallon if they're allowed to offer self-service. Read More: Most NJ Drivers Against Pumping Their Own Gas: Patch Survey

Patch asked drivers whether they would like an added self-service option to gas stations. The responses were mixed among Hillsborough drivers, yet with more leaning towards not wanting the change.

In total, the Patch question received more than 1,100 comments. Here are some of the responses:

"They're just going to do the same thing as every other state when they made this switch. Initially, self-serve is cheaper. Gradually, they both go up until self-serve is what you paid for full-serve and full-serve might as well be pumped by a white-gloved butler for what it costs. Not to mention how many people will lose jobs because of this bill," said one driver.

"Not interested in pumping own gas. Don’t let them fool you to think you will have cheaper gas. Just go to any state that pumps their own. It isn’t necessarily cheaper," said another driver.

"Absolutely. Seems as though gas stations currently lack enough employees and getting gas has become an ordeal. Would love to speed the process and do it myself," said a driver.

"I hate pumping gas. They only want to save wages-its all about that not about us. More people losing their jobs. We wont save money on gas either, they will just have an excuse to charge the same anyway," said a driver.

"It is the last good thing left in NJ. Leave well enough alone!! It will lead to more jobs lost!" said another driver.

"I've been pumping my one gas for 40 years. We lived in Conn. Chicago and Louisiana. I rather do it for myself then wait for someone to mosey around to do it," said a driver.

An NJ bill would add self-service options to gas stations. How do you feel about it? Would you pump your own gas? Comment below, or join the conversation on the Hillsborough Patch Facebook page.

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