Random thoughts from a toll collector

[nobody]

In Jersey it illegal to pump your own gas, at least I think it is.

Dumb law. I get that it's supposed to keep jobs, but surely there are better jobs than standing around outside a gas station pumping gas. All it does it jack up gas prices for the consumer.

My father was probably out cheating on my mother.

Ouch. Imagine how many potential half-siblings you might have out there. Hope you didn't date one. Sucks though. If someone is going to cheat, they might as well end things and be honorable about it.

 

[Runwildboys]

Dumb law. I get that it's supposed to keep jobs, but surely there are better jobs than standing around outside a gas station pumping gas. All it does it jack up gas prices for the consumer.


Ouch. Imagine how many potential half-siblings you might have out there. Hope you didn't date one. Sucks though. If someone is going to cheat, they might as well end things and be honorable about it.

I found out about, and have recently met one half brother and one half sister. The brother is a couple of years younger than me, and pretty dang cool, and the sister is a few years older, and pretty annoying.

As for pumping gas in Jersey, I think it's a safety issue, because people are stupid. Maybe too many people spilled fuel or worse.

 

[SlammedZero]

That's funny. I laugh every time I get gas and think about all of those states that have exorbitant gas prices, whether it be from policy or those jacking up prices to pay for gas attendants. Imagine being afraid of a few minutes of cold weather just to stay warm and pay $8 to $30 more for a full tank of gas. I think of those people in states where attendants do everything and wonder if they even know basic maintenance for their cars, like fluid level checks, tire pressure maintenance for the seasons, etc.

Oregon used to require gas attendants by law. It was always weird driving over there, getting out, and then realizing, 'Oh yeah!' when some guy strolled up asking what grade I wanted. They recently abolished that, so last year, when I drove through and went to pump my own gas, it felt weird the other way—nobody came to help me. lol

 

[Flamma]

That's funny. I laugh every time I get gas and think about all of those states that have exorbitant gas prices, whether it be from policy or those jacking up prices to pay for gas attendants. Imagine being afraid of a few minutes of cold weather just to stay warm and pay $8 to $30 more for a full tank of gas. I think of those people in states where attendants do everything and wonder if they even know basic maintenance for their cars, like fluid level checks, tire pressure maintenance for the seasons, etc.

New Jersey has had the lowest gas prices in the country for the longest time. Even after they taxed it an extra 30+ cents a gallon, we're still one of the lowest in the nation. But I understand that other states charge more at a full service pump. In NJ it is illegal to pump your own gas, so there is no choice here.

 

[Flamma]

Vince Lombardi rest area coming back from the Jersey shore headed to NY is real interesting, exit right to loop left over the highway if I remember it correctly, kind of a pain in the azz. In this day and age the fact that we have tolls anywhere in the USA is so 50 years ago. I pumped lots of gas over the years in 15 degree NY weather, Jersey boys be spoiled! Last but not least, I would estimate that approx 85-90% of humans are pretty stupid or lost in life, Pretty amazing.

I agree with you. But they'll never get rid of them. They make way too much money. You just have to make sure they are not part of your commute. The reason I haven't retired is because the job became so easy compared to what it used to be, I can't bring myself to do it.

Besides crap schedules, I used to take in 1500 vehicles per shift. For comparison, last night I took in 57. I watch youtube or movies all night. When I tell people how much time off I get, they laugh or think I'm lying. This job is a relic of the 70s, the only reason they keep collectors is because it allows for money making schemes.

 

[Creeper]

That's funny. I laugh every time I get gas and think about all of those states that have exorbitant gas prices, whether it be from policy or those jacking up prices to pay for gas attendants. Imagine being afraid of a few minutes of cold weather just to stay warm and pay $8 to $30 more for a full tank of gas. I think of those people in states where attendants do everything and wonder if they even know basic maintenance for their cars, like fluid level checks, tire pressure maintenance for the seasons, etc.

NJ prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas. It is not about convenience, it was once a safety thing. But we do not have the highest gas prices. In fact, our gas prices are lower than in surrounding states. I live close to the border of NY and our gas stations are always full of cars with NY plates because their people come here to buy gas to save a few cents per gallon. I don't mind pumping gas when I fill up out of state but it is one of few conveniences in NJ to have an attendant fill me up.

btw, I once drove to Delaware for an important business meeting in our Delaware offices. I was dressed in a suit with business shoes. I stopped in Delaware for gas on my way into the office. It was snowing and the ground was wet. I got out to pump my own gas and as I was filling up I noticed someone before me had apparently pumped gas onto the ground where I was standing. After filling up, I got into my car and there was a strong smell of gasoline coming from my shoes whose soles were soaked with gas. The smell lasted through out the meeting and it was very noticeable. From that day on I remembered to always fill up in NJ before I got to Delaware.

 

[Jammer]

We accept EZ-Pass. Just not credit cards, and there's a reason for that. The reason is to separate you from more of your money.

I laugh every time it's like 15 degrees and windy. I think of people in other states getting out and pumping their own gas.

I've had a time or two where it was really cold and I was thankful I didn't have to get out of my car to pump my own gas when I was in NJ, but I would have had a problem because I've done it thousands of times. I still prefer to pump my own gas. Last time I was in NJ I made the unfortunate decision to get gas at a location where there was one guy handling multiple pumps. I wasted so much time waiting on the guy to come to me and then I had to wait even more for him to come back when my tank was filled. I guess one of the reasons NJ was paid attendants is for safety but it's hard to see how when one guy is pumping gas in multiple vehicles. Is that safer than individuals pumping their own gas?

 

[Flamma]

NJ prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas. It is not about convenience, it was once a safety thing. But we do not have the highest gas prices. In fact, our gas prices are lower than in surrounding states. I live close to the border of NY and our gas stations are always full of cars with NY plates because their people come here to buy gas to save a few cents per gallon. I don't mind pumping gas when I fill up out of state but it is one of few conveniences in NJ to have an attendant fill me up.

btw, I once drove to Delaware for an important business meeting in our Delaware offices. I was dressed in a suit with business shoes. I stopped in Delaware for gas on my way into the office. It was snowing and the ground was wet. I got out to pump my own gas and as I was filling up I noticed someone before me had apparently pumped gas onto the ground where I was standing. After filling up, I got into my car and there was a strong smell of gasoline coming from my shoes whose soles were soaked with gas. The smell lasted through out the meeting and it was very noticeable. From that day on I remembered to always fill up in NJ before I got to Delaware.

When I drove to Indiana in the later 90s, I think I was on route 70 most of the way. Gas was around 1.30 to 1.40. Cheaper in NJ. I noticed at every stop they had a full service pump that was over $1.80. Of course I pumped my own gas. I never saw gasoline priced that high in my life up until that point.

My wife had the same situation as you when she had to travel to Maryland. She made sure she got gas before leaving NJ. On the way back didn't matter. You have to consider weather too. Wind driven rain can hit you even with the canopy. If you're driving an EV, you're totally screwed as most charging stations have no canopy.

 

[Runwildboys]

NJ prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas. It is not about convenience, it was once a safety thing. But we do not have the highest gas prices. In fact, our gas prices are lower than in surrounding states. I live close to the border of NY and our gas stations are always full of cars with NY plates because their people come here to buy gas to save a few cents per gallon. I don't mind pumping gas when I fill up out of state but it is one of few conveniences in NJ to have an attendant fill me up.

btw, I once drove to Delaware for an important business meeting in our Delaware offices. I was dressed in a suit with business shoes. I stopped in Delaware for gas on my way into the office. It was snowing and the ground was wet. I got out to pump my own gas and as I was filling up I noticed someone before me had apparently pumped gas onto the ground where I was standing. After filling up, I got into my car and there was a strong smell of gasoline coming from my shoes whose soles were soaked with gas. The smell lasted through out the meeting and it was very noticeable. From that day on I remembered to always fill up in NJ before I got to Delaware.

You should have lit a match to them for just a second, to burn it off.

 

[Creeper]

You should have lit a match to them for just a second, to burn it off.

 

[Runwildboys]

I've had a time or two where it was really cold and I was thankful I didn't have to get out of my car to pump my own gas when I was in NJ, but I would have had a problem because I've done it thousands of times. I still prefer to pump my own gas. Last time I was in NJ I made the unfortunate decision to get gas at a location where there was one guy handling multiple pumps. I wasted so much time waiting on the guy to come to me and then I had to wait even more for him to come back when my tank was filled. I guess one of the reasons NJ was paid attendants is for safety but it's hard to see how when one guy is pumping gas in multiple vehicles. Is that safer than individuals pumping their own gas?

I think you underestimate the stupidity of the average driver.

Aside from the people who just don't know how to work a gas pump, or the ones who drive off with the nozzle still in the fill tube, there are those who think it's smart to fill it to the very top, and squeeze off more after the automatic shutoff. They spill gas, and don't even bother telling anyone, and then you get people stepping in it (@Creeper ) or it drains off into a stream, or eats into the parking lot, etc.

 

[Flamma]

Oregon used to require gas attendants by law. It was always weird driving over there, getting out, and then realizing, 'Oh yeah!' when some guy strolled up asking what grade I wanted. They recently abolished that, so last year, when I drove through and went to pump my own gas, it felt weird the other way—nobody came to help me. lol

Yes, for some time it was just Oregon and NJ. Now it's just NJ. The reason it stays that was in NJ is because anytime there is a vote, people rather have someone else pump the gas. Politicians won't touch it because they are afraid of being voted out. Overall, it's basically a non issue.

 

[Flamma]

I think you underestimate the stupidity of the average driver.

I don't work busy shifts anymore, so this doesn't apply to me now. But it used to.

On my roadway you are supposed to get a ticket when you enter, hand that to the collector when you exit, and your toll will be displayed. At certain exits, and on certain shifts, day or afternoon, many people will pull up and just ask, how is the toll? I'll ask for their ticket. Or they'll just pull up and hand me a 20. I'll ask for their ticket.

I'm not required to ask for their ticket. After about 20 of these people, I'll just stop. They hand me a 20, I'll give them change for the highest toll. They'll ride away smiling. If they pull up and ask me how much, I'll tell them the highest toll. They'll pay it with a smile. I'm not asking hundreds of people for their ticket. If you don't care about your money, either do I. This roadway makes a fortune on stupidity. If you want to know why they haven't gone cashless on the New Jersey Turnpike, it is multiple situations like the one I explained that bring them in a ton of money they should not be getting. That's just one situation. I explained another in post #11. There are more. The windfall from these situations far exceeds toll collector pay.

 

[Creeper]

Yes, for some time it was just Oregon and NJ. Now it's just NJ. The reason it stays that was in NJ is because anytime there is a vote, people rather have someone else pump the gas. Politicians won't touch it because they are afraid of being voted out. Overall, it's basically a non issue.

I believe NJ is the only state that still has blue laws. No Sunday shopping in one county in NJ.

 

[Flamma]

I believe NJ is the only state that still has blue laws. No Sunday shopping in one county in NJ.

Yes, Bergen county. In a way, and regardless of the reason, it's kind of good for employees. You know you have that day off.

I find it hard to believe that is the only place in the country. I know there are states or cities where you can't buy alcohol on Sundays. Maybe it's not a blue law? I don't know. I would just think some of these southern states have some blue laws.

 

[Creeper]

Yes, Bergen county. In a way, and regardless of the reason, it's kind of good for employees. You know you have that day off.

I find it hard to believe that is the only place in the country. I know there are states or cities where you can't buy alcohol on Sundays. Maybe it's not a blue law? I don't know. I would just think some of these southern states have some blue laws.

Yes, there are a bunch of states the ban alcohol sales on Sundays, and some states ban car sales on Sundays. I believe NJ is the only one left with general mandatory business closings on Sunday. Retail sales are banned with the exception of food and necessities. Gas stations are open. But in Paramus, it is against the law to open any other business ore even to go into work. A few years ago they fined a lawyer who went into his office to catch up on work on a Sunday! Oddly, the state Supreme Court has upheld every challenge to these laws that close businesses on Sundays. They claim the people of these towns have the right to determine how business is conducted in their townships. This is the same Supreme Court that has repeatedly upheld mandatory affordable housing laws that require towns to set aside land for the development of affordable housing regardless of teh townships' development plans.

 

[Flamma]

Yes, there are a bunch of states the ban alcohol sales on Sundays, and some states ban car sales on Sundays. I believe NJ is the only one left with general mandatory business closings on Sunday. Retail sales are banned with the exception of food and necessities. Gas stations are open. But in Paramus, it is against the law to open any other business ore even to go into work. A few years ago they fined a lawyer who went into his office to catch up on work on a Sunday! Oddly, the state Supreme Court has upheld every challenge to these laws that close businesses on Sundays. They claim the people of these towns have the right to determine how business is conducted in their townships. This is the same Supreme Court that has repeatedly upheld mandatory affordable housing laws that require towns to set aside land for the development of affordable housing regardless of teh townships' development plans.

Interesting. I'm sure the Parkway toll booths are open in Paramus. Back in the 70s, when I was a little kid, I remember a lot of places were closed on Sundays. Even places that served food. But I don't think that was law driven. Some places closed early on Sundays. Some businesses paid you extra if you worked on Sundays. My mother was a telephone operator, and she got time and a half on Sundays.

Speaking of challenges. That new mall in Paramus, they are opening in defiance. That might end up in court.

 

[Vtwin]

In Jersey it illegal to pump your own gas, at least I think it is.

Reminds of me of me learning this when filling up my bike the first time in Jersey. It got a little tense for a minute when the attendant tried to take the nozzle from my hands. It's a split tank with two caps and there is a right way and a wrong way to fill it. I was packed for the long haul and if anyone was spilling gas on my stuff it was going to be me.

 

[Jammer]

I think you underestimate the stupidity of the average driver.

Aside from the people who just don't know how to work a gas pump, or the ones who drive off with the nozzle still in the fill tube, there are those who think it's smart to fill it to the very top, and squeeze off more after the automatic shutoff. They spill gas, and don't even bother telling anyone, and then you get people stepping in it (@Creeper ) or it drains off into a stream, or eats into the parking lot, etc.

I'm 62, I've been to every state in the union (and driven in), and have been to multiple countries, so I will never be able to underestimate the intelligence of the average driver. They continue to amaze me. It's worldwide too. There are some countries I hated driving in because their idea of "safety" is every person for themselves.

 

[Flamma]

I'm 62, I've been to every state in the union (and driven in), and have been to multiple countries, so I will never be able to underestimate the intelligence of the average driver. They continue to amaze me. It's worldwide too. There are some countries I hated driving in because their idea of "safety" is every person for themselves.

Would Italy be one of them?

Check out this genius just for hits and giggles.



Even though the tow truck driver was totally wrong here, there's no excuse for not looking where you are going. This is broad daylight.