Ready To Pump Your Own Gas, Morristown? Patch Readers Feel Mixed

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Unless they regularly leave the state or work as a gas station attendant, New Jerseyans don't pump gas very frequently. But if self service becomes available in the Garden State, some around Morristown would like to take on the task themselves, while others will opt to stay in the car.

A new state bill — designed to help alleviate staffing shortages — would allow self-serve options at New Jersey gas stations. The Motorist Feuling Choice and Convenience Act would give gas station the choice to offer self-serve pumps while requiring they still have at least four dispensers for full service.

Read more: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

Morristown Patch and Morris Township-Morris Plains Patch asked readers how they feel about the bill, and whether they'd pump their own gas if it become law. Here were some of the responses:

• "No…why would I want to pump my own?"
• "In a red hot minute. It is ridiculous that we cannot pump it ourselves."
• "No. For the amount I’m paying they can pump it for me."
• "No. And gas prices will not go down because of it. You will pay the same amount for less service. This is a trap."
• "Just another NJ government gimmick, not addressing the true issue of high gas prices. SUPPLY and the federal government cutting US production which makes us buy oil from countries that don't like us."
• "Sure, why not."
• "Jersey girls don't pump gas."
• "If gas is $2.50 a gallon, yes. Otherwise nope."
• "I would hate to pump my own - the germs on the handle - but of it cuts the price i am all for it."
• "No way.Think about getting out in cold winter nights and heavy rains."

Assembly Members Carol Murphy, Ned Thomson and Annette Chaparro introduced the bill Feb. 28. While several Patch readers remain skeptical that it would lower prices, Murphy insists one of the benefits would include savings.

"Simply put, this bill will provide choice, convenience, and cost-savings to New Jersey drivers," Murphy said. "By providing a hybrid model, we can give consumers the option to do what they prefer when it comes to filling their gas tanks, while also giving them the opportunity to save money."

Retailers believe that moving to a hybrid model would reduce gas prices by at least 15 cents per gallon, according to a news release from the bill's aforementioned sponsors.

Under the bill, drivers with a disability can have their gas pumped at the lower self-serve price. If enacted, the measure would go into effect 90 days after it was signed into law.

The average price for a gallon of gas in New Jersey ($4.27) is higher than the national average ($4.17) as of Tuesday, according to AAA.

Related article: Cheapest Gas Near Me: Find The Lowest Prices Around Morristown

How do you feel about the bill? Would you pump your own gas? Tell us in the comments below, or join the conversation on the Facebook pages for Morristown Patch and Morris Township-Morris Plains Patch.

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