Ready To Pump Your Own Gas, Wayne? Here's What Patch Readers Say

WAYNE, 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, several Wayne Patch readers said they'd still 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

Wayne 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:

• "Should be put up on ballot for the people decide."
• "I miss having the gas pumped but N.J. was the only place I lived that did pump the gas. I still don't like doing it."
• "Only if they tack on an extra charge for service."
• "We have 3 things in this state: Taylor ham; the shore and don’t pump our own gas! It’s not going to lower anything. "Look how crappy Walmart and Home Depot are… we still pay high prices and sweat trying to load and scan out of things… ridiculous."
• "Yes! Sometimes I wait 5 minutes before an attendant comes over - it would be nice to not have to wait so long!"
• "Nnoo! I moved to NJ from Ohio a bit ago and it's one of my favorite things about nj haha. It's so nice in the winter. Obviously either way is fine but I may shed a little tear if it goes away."
• "Not after all these years!"
• "Only if I can charge my own price, too."
• "I do NOT want to pump my own gas ~ not now, not ever!"
• "The only good thing left we have in Jersey."

Assembly Members Carol Murphy, Ned Thomson and Annette Chaparro introduced the bill Monday. While some Wayne 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 Wayne Patch's Facebook page.

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