NJ's Self-Serving Prophecy
New Jersey lawmakers recently introduced a bill to allow self-service gas pumps in the state, but State Senate President Stephen Sweeney is putting his foot down. Robert Scott, associate professor of economics at Monmouth University and author of a paper on New Jersey gas pump laws titled, "Fill ’er Up: A Study of Statewide Self-Service Gasoline Station Bans," explains the history of the New Jersey law and weighs the likelihood of the bill's passage.
Robert Scott (@monmouthu) says studies show 3-5 cents/gallon premium for full service, less than he anticipated. pic.twitter.com/b092NFeHx6
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 22, 2015
We asked listeners to weigh the PROS versus CONS of self-service gas pumps.
Some NJ lawmakers want to introduce self-service gas pumps (!!). So let’s make a list. Tell us your PROS vs CONS of self-service pumps – go!
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer pro - don't have to wait for the guy con - gotta go outside in winter
— jim (@toebone) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer I admit to being happy NOT getting out of the car in rain, snow, frigid or hot and humid temps!
— Virginia Rietz (@ginzinger) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer as a Brooklynite I look forward to filling up in NJ because it's cheap AND full-serve. No guilt for being lazy :)
— streebs (@streebs) May 22, 2015
@TransportNation @brianlehrer @WNYC Job creation may be a side effect, but should NEVER be primary reason for keeping.
— Sunny Zheng (@SunnysWords) May 22, 2015
And here's a debate that emerged - do you tip your gas attendant?
Hey New Jersey drivers - do you tip your gas pump attendant? A caller just said his parents always did and he continues to.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer Never. Is this a thing now?
— Dee (@littleredyarn) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer I remember that my dad used to tip the gas pump attendant when I was a kid, but I think credit/debit cards kind of squelched it
— Άπιστος Θωμάς (@oodja) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer i laughed when an out of state friend asked if you tip the gas attendants. Shouldn't have 2 tip 4 service u're forced to accept
— Tim Donnelly (@timdonnelly) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer Grew up in Jersey, never have tipped - and never remember a situation where it felt like they were expecting it.
— Mattttt (@Atlantically) May 22, 2015
@BrianLehrer NYC resident, fill up in NJ sometimes. I've seen spots that explicitly ask you *not* to tip over there.
— alex neason (@alexandrianeas) May 22, 2015
