Alltown rolls out contactless fuel payment across Massachusetts stores

A New England convenience store retailer is spreading a revolution in how consumers purchase gas.

Alltown, which operates over 70 convenience stores across New England, is offering direct payment for fuel via mobile device at all 30 Alltown gas stations in Massachusetts. The retailer is utilizing PayBy Car, a payment solution that enables consumers to purchase gas from their car without handling cash, a credit or debit card, or a mobile app. An Alltown Mobil station in Westborough, Mass., initially implemented PayByCar in April 2019. 

Upon entering a participating gas station, PayByCar recognizes the E-ZPass electronic toll transponder (used by 35 million consumers in 17 states) of a customer’s car and sends a text to their smartphone. Customers then reply with the pump number and PayByCar automatically turns that pump on, registers the transaction, charges a pre-enrolled payment card, and sends an e-receipt. 

Customers who do not have an E-ZPass toll transponder on their car can use PayByCar’s own non-toll sticker to enroll. According to PayByCar, the process cuts transaction and refueling time by 73% for customers during the winter months. The technology is slated to soon be available for other kinds of transactions such as paying at convenience stores, car washes, drive-thrus, and restaurants in 2021. 

“We’re living at a time when contactless payments are increasingly important,” said Mark Cosenza, senior VP at Global Partners LP, owner of Alltown convenience stores. “We’re excited to offer drivers not only the convenience of simple and quick transactions, but also the added safety and peace of mind during the age of COVID-19.

“Following the success of PayByCar’s first in the nation breakthrough test pilot program at Alltown of Westborough last year, we are proud to expand our pay-by-text service throughout Massachusetts,” said Kevin Condon, CEO and founder of PayByCar.

Massachusetts-based Global Partners has nearly 300 company-owned convenience stores, including Alltown, Alltown Fresh, XtraMart, and Honey Fresh.