May 30, 2008: Pumps Blocked No More

Story and Photo By Joe Zlomek

They've solved the problem of blocked gasoline pumps at the Wawa convenience market on Route 47 north of Dorchester NJ.

Time was when drivers would pull up to the self-serve pumps, fill their tanks, park their cars at the pump islands, then abandon them while they went into the adjacent store for a fast latte and doughnut. That thoughtlessness caused long lines for gas, and paralyzed Wawa's business.

No more. Now every pump is full serve, and day-glo orange vested attendants like Bob (or so his name tag read on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008) keep drivers from wandering off without their vehicles. Once the gas is pumped, they're good to go ... back into the store to further fill Wawa's coffers, corporate officials surely hope.