Drivers looking to save time at the gas station pump and avoid the hassle of numerous prompts are getting some help in the form of a new app from Safeway.
The “OneTouch Fuel” app allows customers who use the grocery chain’s fuel stations to activate the pump and pay for their gas with one tap of a mobile phone. Payment and “just for U” rewards information is stored securely and receipts are saved digitally.
According to a news release Wednesday, the app uses Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and geo-fencing to allow “almost all the tasks associated with paying for gas from within the comfort of their car,” cutting an average of 90 seconds off fuel-up time. You still have to get out and work the pump — unless you live in Oregon or New Jersey, where attendants handle everything.
“This is the fastest and most convenient way to get in and out of the gas station,” Karl Schroeder, Safeway Seattle division president, said in a statement. “We are reimagining the future to serve customers in a way they want to interact with us across every part of the business.”
Safeway parent Albertsons began rolling out the app at its fuel locations at the end of 2018. Other companies such as Shell and Exxon Mobile have apps that are supposed to smooth the process at the pump.
OneTouch Fuel is currently available at these Safeway fuel locations near Seattle and will be expanding to other stations in the future:
- Snoqualmie at 34812 SE Douglas St.
- Bellevue at 1645 140th Ave NE.
- Shoreline at 17202 15th Ave NE.
- Everett at 7601 Evergreen Way
