It’s a brief travel post of a sort.
I tried out the FuelService app this morning. For me – wheelchair user – it was AMAZING. I can’t understand why I haven’t used this before? According to the petrol attendant at my local Sainsbury’s, I am the first disabled person to have used it there since it was installed? Bonkers.
I’ve attached a link to the FuelService web page below – with a link to their app for iOS, Android or Windows Phone, (all bases covered there then) https://fuelservice.org/en
What’s the deal?
The scenario – You need fuel, you’re on your own and you’re a wheelchair user.
Your Options: (1) You can get out of your car, into your chair and refuel, (a faff you don’t need); (2) You can pull up at a petrol pump and start blowing your horn like a ‘crazy’ person to attract the attention of the attendant – nothing like reinforcing those disability stereotypes for the viewing public; or, (3) You can use the FREE FuelService App.
It’s a no brainier. Load the app onto your phone and start using it.
What is it?
Quite simply, it’s a God send.
It’s a GPS enabled app that tells you which Petrol Filling Stations are near your current location and that are part of the scheme.
Using the app, you find a PFS. The app contacts the PFS to make sure they can ‘accommodate’ you within the next 30 minutes. They tell you they can. You drive to the PFS and pull up at a fuel pump.
Then, using the app, you tell them you’ve arrived and which pump you’re parked at. The PFS then sends someone out to fuel your car. You give them the money. They give you change & a receipt. You say “Have a Nice Day” and drive off. You haven’t had to get out of the car or blow your car horn once.
My only Downside
In the Sainsbury’s that I used, (in Westhoughton), I had to pay by cash – they didn’t have the facility for an electronic payment, made via a mobile card reader. Other PFS’ might have got this sorted out – I don’t know if this is the case. If it is a ‘flaw’, my guess is that it will be fixed soon, but even if it’s not, just carry some cash.
