In the age of the E-ZPass and ATMs, this may come as a big surprise: Fewer shoppers are using self-checkout lines, according to a new survey.

From the Associated Press:

Market studies cited by the Arlington, Va.-based Food Marketing Institute found only 16 percent of supermarket transactions in 2010 were done at self-checkout lanes in stores that provided the option. That's down from a high of 22 percent three years ago.

Overall, people reported being much more satisfied with their supermarket experience when they used traditional cashier-staffed lanes.

The popularity drop was pinned partly on user confusion over how to use coupons, general delays, and slower checkout machines. Some said they liked the human interaction. In that case, there's long-term hope for bank tellers.

Depending on where you live and shop, you may not have the option. The A&P Fresh in Mt. Kisco, near Target, has self-service, but the Bedford location does not. Bill McGoorty, co-manager of the Bedford store said there were no plans to include them in the 40-year-old shop. "We're more of a hands-on store, and it's also a space issue."

South Salem shoppers venturing over to Stop & Shop, may be happy to know that the grocery chain seems to have no plan to roll back their system.

Suzi Robinson, a spokeswoman for the company, said in the AP report that "our philosophy is giving customers options. People shop in different ways and we want to accommodate their preferences.