One time I was trying to get somewhere on the north side of Chicago and I couldn't figure out how to transfer lines at this big, empty station underground in the middle of the night. The guy working the booth said he couldn't help me - until he noticed I had some smokes and I gave him one. Then he was thoroughly helpful and told me exactly where to go. I still missed the show I was trying to catch, but it was a fun night all in all and I like this story of giving a public servant a tiny bribe.