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

PARSIPPANY, 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 in Parsippany 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

Parsippany 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:

• "This was one of the perks for living in NJ. I don't want to pump my own gas."
• "That was a worry of mine when we moved to Florida. End result, if you can use an ATM, you can pump gas. It's not been an issue at all."
• "If it’s cheaper then why not. Otherwise nope!"
• "Having done both, I appreciate full service....but not a huge issue if I have to pump it myself. But it won't make gasoline any cheaper."
• "I like to tell people I left NJ so I could pump my own gas. There are a few benefits, such as being able to get in and out quickly, and nobody to mistakenly pump the wrong fuel. And no, your hands don't smell like gas after pumping it yourself."
• "Prices wouldn't change, NJ still has cheaper gas then other states. It brings jobs with it. There is no downside to NJ drivers to keep our full service here."
• "Probably no… Yes but Depends on the situation."

Assembly Members Carol Murphy, Ned Thomson and Annette Chaparro introduced the bill Monday. While several Parsippany 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 ($4.71) is higher than the national average ($4.07) as of Monday, according to AAA.

How do you feel about the bill? Would you pump your own gas? Tell us in the comments below, or join the conversation on Parsippany Patch's Facebook page.

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