CITGO's Kinney on partnership to help drivers with disabilities: 'fuelService not only provides convenience, it provides peace of mind'

CITGO has partnered with free app fuelService to assist motorists with disabilities find gas stations that can accommodate them, according to a press release.

Designed by a driver with disabilities, fuelService locates nearby gas stations with help available and then notifies the business to have an employee ready to help the customer, the release said.

"By eliminating uncertainty for customers who need help refueling, and by reducing wait times, fuelService not only provides convenience, it provides peace of mind," Kevin Kinney, CITGO's general manager for brand equity, said in the release. "Now customers with disabilities don't have to drive from gas station to gas station to find an available attendant, nor will they have to honk their horns or flash their lights in hopes of catching someone's attention."

The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.

"fuelService was created by a frustrated disabled driver who knew there had to be a better way of getting petrol than driving around for hours beeping his horn and hoping someone helped," the company said on its website. "It had to be a solution that worked for everyone. Free and easy for people with a disability, low cost but seamless for gas stations. We think we got there, but are going to fight to get to perfection."

Josh Basile, a quadriplegic who is a board member of the United Spinal Association, said in the release that he and similarly situated motorists have waited "too long for an easier, struggle-free experience" at the pump.

"Together, both CITGO and fuelService are transforming lives and providing more confidence to drivers with disabilities than ever before," Basile said.

CITGO said that it's covering the licensing fees for its participating stations, and its marketers will get promotional kits and brochures, the release said.

"Adding fuelService to our offerings is a natural extension of our commitment to serving each and every customer," Kinney said in the release. "We're proud to make the world a little more accessible."

For more information on fuelService, visit fuelService.org.