Subway Turnstiles

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“Please be aware of the gap”, was repeated at every subway station. If only there had been a ‘please be aware of the turnstiles.’ Thankfully New Yorkers can be friendly in a pinch—or at least when the only way they can move forward is to help you, or your luggage, out of a tight spot. I thought I was blending into city life—wearing mostly black, pulling my nondescript, black roller board quickly and efficiently through the subway station, appearing to know where I was headed. Okay, except for when I asked directions to the express subway track and the kind New Yorker pointed to the track beside me with hardly a condescending look. In retrospect that was a bit of a ridiculous question. As my daughter pointed out, “it wouldn’t be much of an express if the train were on the track behind the local, now would it?”

But all in all I was looking capable as I scanned my metro card, moved quickly forward through the turnstile and then stumbled as my roller board failed to roll on behind me. I gave the handle a tug. No go. What was up? I turned around to see the handle caught cleanly over one of the turnstile arms. Unfortunately I had just used my last swipe of the metro card. Fortunately, New Yorkers can be more friendly than they are typically given credit for. As the subway arrived in the station below, commuters started pouring up the escalators heading for the exit turnstiles—also known as the entrance turnstiles—where I stood with my luggage trapped. Bracing for exhortations aimed at my incompetence, I was pleasantly surprised to have not one but two independent travelers stop and help jiggle, push and wrench the handle of my roller board until it snapped free of the turnstile. And I was on my way, once again, appearing competent, although feeling a bit less so.