MYTH VS. FACT
We all know that New Jersey is out of date with the rest of the country on many issues. One of the reasons that New Jersey has been the last state in the entire country to act on coming into the 21st century is because of the many myths that exist about pumping your own gas. Ultimately, we believe that New Jersey residents are able and capable of pumping their own gas if they choose to do so. That is why we feel you should be able to Fuel Your Way NJ.
Myth
New Jersey’s government knows what is best for its residents. The only way New Jersey drivers should receive gas is from an attendant.
Fact
New Jersey is the only state in the country where the government prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas. Every state in the country allows residents the choice to pump their own gas, except New Jersey. People who want to pump their own gas should have the freedom to do so and residents of other states are satisfied that they have been given the choice to pump their own gas.
Myth
No one will help me learn how to pump my own gas and I will be stranded at the pump.
Fact
People who wish to pump their own gas will have the freedom to do so. People who wish to have an attendant pump their gas will have that option as well. Gas stations would be required to provide both self-serve and full-service options, so you can still have your gas pumped for you if you want.
Myth
During these uncertain financial times, we cannot afford to risk the jobs of hard-working gas attendants who would be out of work without full-service stations.
Fact
There are many job functions at a service station and gas station convenience store. The current employees who are no longer needed to pump gas will be reassigned to other roles at the station. Even now, only a portion of their job is gas attending and they would be able to fill additional roles and take on new responsibilities.
Myth
In the time of COVID-19, full-service gas is the safest option for residents.
Fact
We know that the best way to avoid any virus is to avoid face-to-face contact with other people. Self service options allow for no personal contact with other people and residents can take further precautions to make pumping their own gas the safest option right now.
Myth
There is no benefit to residents who will now have to perform a task that was always done for them.
Fact
People who want to pump their own gas will be able to save money with discounted self-service prices. Surveys have shown that by implementing a self-serve option, drivers would save $0.15 or more per gallon.
Myth
It will be so inconvenient for me to have to get out of my car and pump my own gas. It is easier to wait for the attendant to come ask me what I would like.
Fact
By having the option to pump your own gas, you will control the amount of time between pulling up to a pump and when you leave the pump. You no longer will need to wait for an attendant who is busy with other customers or someone who does not see you sitting at the pump waiting for them to come to you. With how busy our lives are, time and convenience are extremely important to most people.