Speaking of breaking 20s on short trips, it’s gotten to where I have to carry 10s with me as part of my cash fare because I can almost expect it to happen. Makes my life easier.
I always carry cash on me when I need it. On my graduation day, I took the train from where I live (along the Boonton Line) to Newark. By Montclair I got a bit too comfortable and dozed off. When I woke up, we left Newark Broad Street and I thought of myself screwed. When I got to Hoboken, I tried to find an alternate way back to get to Ferry St. There were no trains going back the other direction, so with the $50 in my pocket, I got a cab to take me back to the training facility in time. Was a pretty big bullet to bite, but I got the job done.