Pump Pains - Motorists may soon pay for air at service stations

Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find a service station with a functioning air dispenser?

Well, Trevor Heaven, president of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA), estimates that malfunctioning air pumps to be about 25 per cent of those installed islandwide. Some frustrated motorists argue that it could be more.

"Most gas stations nowadays don't have a working air pump," said Amandy Williams, who lives in Pembroke Hall, St Andrew, and who picks up her six-year-old granddaughter in the evenings. "It's really frustrating to drive around searching for [working pumps]. This is the worst I've ever seen it."

And, while many others may fume at not being able to easily locate an operational air pump, Heaven said motorists may soon have to pay for the service.

"This is a very sensitive issue," he said.

"But there have been discussions over the past two or three years as to whether service stations should move to a new arrangement of providing air for which the motorist will have to pay."

Not a contractual obligation

Heaven was quick to point out that the provision of air to customers was not a contractual obligation, but mere courtesy extended by the gas station operator.

"It has been a courtesy for as long as I can recall," said Heaven, who has been in the gas retailing business for more than 25 years.

The JGRA president said with high energy costs and the frequent vandalism of pumps, coin-operated air dispensers would assist in keeping them operational.

"You will see this in the future. Coin-operated air dispensers are found throughout the United States and several other metropolitan areas in the world," Heaven said. "And, in the not-too-distant future, we will have to introduce such a system to Jamaica."

The Manchester-based gasolene retailer said it could cost up to $250,000 annually to keep an air dispenser fully operational.

"I have to replace the hose and repair my air dispenser at least four to six times per year," said Gayle Thompson, owner of Epping Service Station in Whitehouse, Westmoreland. "It's a great challenge keeping them in good working condition."

Vernon Hemmings, manager at Cool Oasis Port Antonio Service Station Centre in Portland, shared a similar story with regards to frequency of repairs.

"This is a serious problem," he said. "But, at least, the one here is working, currently."

Hemmings said the air dispenser's chuck (nozzle) would oftentimes go missing or damaged due to abuse.

Kelvin Hill, owner of Morris Hill Petcom on Main Street in Alexandria, St Ann, opts to secure his dispenser by removing the hose in the evenings.

"By 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., I have the hose removed. However, customers may request it as the need arises," he said. "Remember, it doesn't bring in any revenue, because the service is free to the public."

Stephen Shaw, communication and customer services manager at the National Works Agency (NWA), said service stations are inspected annually by his organisation.

"We check for issues relating to the safety of the plant and not the presence, or lack thereof, of an air pump," Shaw said in a written response.

The communications manager said a report with a recommendation is then submitted to the clerk of the court in the particular parish.

"An absence [of an air dispenser], therefore, would not result in a recommendation being made for a licence not to be granted," Shaw added.

Maintaining the correct air pressure in a motor vehicle's tyres is critical to its efficiency and performance.

Low air pressure increases the tyre's rolling resistance and causes the vehicle to use more fuel. This also increases tyre wear and is a safety hazard. Overinflation is also a problem and reduces traction.

Heaven sees the proposed pay-for-air move as a natural progression for the retailers.

"The nature of service-station business is evolving and we have to move with the times," he added.

brianbonitto@gleanerjm.com