To the editor:
Most published letters to the editor regarding gasoline complain about the continual rise of prices. I am old enough to remember when a gas station was not a “convenience” centre but was a service centre.
A couple of years ago, my favourite downtown service station was closed —apparently that corner was required for traffic changes.
Since then, I have found a service station in Lake Country and I am told there is another one in the West Kelowna area.
But I live in Kelowna city center. So finally was directed to Lakeshore Road where staff gave service with a smile whenever I needed a gas fill-up.
That station is now under-going renovations, so I am without help again.
I think I speak for many people when I lament the lack of service.
I have had knee surgery that makes it painful for me to enter and exit my car.
There are thousands of people in Kelowna with various health issues who are completely capable of driving but filling up their car can be a process.
I have a friend who’s sister is 40 and has rheumatoid arthritis. Her hands are so weak that when she wants to fill her car, she has to take one of her children with her to do the actual pumping of the gas.
This isn’t convenient for her or her children.
How nice it was when a smiling face offered to fill my gas tank, check my oil, noted if my tires needed air, and made sure my windows were clean.
Now that the cold weather is coming, it is doubly painful for our older joints to enter and exit our vehicles.
Think of your sweet grandma who bakes your favourite cookies. She now has to stand outside in the snow and wind struggling with those temperamental hoses and pumps. Or, the young mom who has a little baby in a car seat? Leaving the little one alone while she may have to run into the store to pay if she has cash and not want to take the baby out in the cold anymore than she has too.
Since prices are already ridiculously high, a small rise to each litre (a portion of a penny) would more than cover the cost of providing service.
Perhaps this service would even reduce frustration and road rage.
What is wrong with the gasoline companies? Young people, as well as retirees, would love to have a job helping customers at a service station.
I hope we will soon be having a friendly, helpful stop when it is necessary to “fill her up, please.”
Margaret Wort,
Kelowna
