Only the bourgeoisie and cops who don’t even fucking ride the subway care about people skipping fare. It’s common courtesy to hold the gate open if somebody asks and you don’t question why. Even if you always pay your fare, you know that in the event you forget your wallet or phone somebody will let you in.

You never know why somebody needs to get in and you don’t need to. There was a time when I couldn’t afford to pay at all and it was either that or paying for a place to live, and the kindness of strangers helped me get back on my feet. It’s our city, it should be fucking free to get anywhere you need to.