You swipe your metrocard, and a little message reads “Please swipe again,” you swipe again, and yet another message says “Please swipe again.” Then you swipe one final time and the card reads “Just used,” or even better, “See Agent.” Frustrating, to say the least. Why does this keep happening?

I saw this happen to someone this morning. Behind him were two people who looked so frustrated you’d think something terrible had just happened. This got me thinking though (and you know it’s risky when I start thinking):

1. It is quite something how impatient people can get when someone interrupts the flow of Metrocard traffic.

2. A few things you can do to avoid being the person who actually deserves those looks.

3. A few tips on metrocard common sense.

Some of these points may seem obvious to you, but believe me, I see them every single day. Here is a list of actions that New Yorkers find annoying and will probably hurry past or nudge you through, followed by a few tips I use with my metrocard.

Metrocard Don’ts:

1. Do not have your metrocard tucked in your wallet, purse, or pocket when you arrive at the turnstile. By the time you get there, the card should already be in your hand, ready to swipe.

2. Do not stop at the turnstile to chat with a friend or say goodbye to someone. New Yorkers value their moments, but it’s best to move aside and handle personal matters without holding up Metrocard traffic.

3. Don’t swipe someone in with your unlimited card. This can result in a fine if caught. If you plan to share your card, be mindful of the situation. Swiping the card openly is not a good idea. This rule applies only to unlimited cards; cash cards are fine.

Metrocard Dos:

1. If you buy unlimited, opt for a weekly card. Here’s why: if you buy a monthly card and it gets damaged, your investment is larger. The MTA will usually replace it, but you’ll need to buy another one to use in the meantime. The same applies if you lose it, though that’s harder to prove. A weekly card has a lower upfront cost, so replacing it won’t hurt your wallet as much.

2. Have a backup metrocard. This helps not only the people behind you but yourself as well. If your train is coming and you’re running late (which happens to me often), it’s great to have a card ready. I usually carry an unlimited weekly card, but if that runs out unexpectedly, I switch to the cash card I keep on hand.

3. Soon the MTA will be releasing a new metrocard type that supports unlimited rides and automatically becomes a cash ride card after expiration. This will eliminate the need for a backup cash card.

4. Don’t mix up your cards; it’s hard to tell them apart! Few things annoy a New Yorker in a rush more than watching someone swipe one, then two, then three, then four cards, trying to figure out which one works. Please, get out of the way quickly.

5. Know what you want before using the vending machine. Sometimes during slow hours, you can take time to learn how it works. Trying this during rush hour will only irritate people behind you and fluster you further.

These simple tips can help you survive in what is sometimes called the second city within New York City, the subway! If you have any tips I may have missed, please put them in the comments section. Really good ones might be added to this article!