Wait until you get to the turnstile to take out your MetroCard

The day may come when the MTA decides to let everyone into the subway free of charge. But it is not this day. About one out of every three times I get on the subway, someone seems surprised either by the turnstile or the requirement that he or she must pay a fare. I suggest pulling out your wallet as you walk down the stairs. That gives you enough time to find your MetroCard and get it into proper swiping position. Wait until it is your turn to swipe and all of a sudden people are pushing and moaning and it is an ugly scene.