Cables need lube. Even the latest and greatest advances in cable technology still require you to lube your cables. Take a short 5 minutes to keep your cables lubed up and you'll save yourself a bunch of hand pump while sitting in the afternoon traffic jam.
We use a product called Dri Slide, made by Bike-Aid. The 4 ounce bottle should last a very long time. I've had this one bottle for 3 years, have serviced dozens of bikes, and I've still got plenty left.