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Big day for subway fans: MTA sells old MetroCard vending machines for more than $2K
Gothamist • • business
Key Points:
- The MTA auctioned off over 60 retired MetroCard vending machines, which no longer function as their internal computer parts were removed, attracting subway enthusiasts who view them as historical memorabilia.
- Buyers like Noah Mallin and Brian Moore purchased machines for thousands of dollars, intending to display them as pieces of New York City transit history.
- The MTA received 380 bids and has finalized sales for 31 machines, while also donating some to New York City public schools for educational purposes.
- The MetroCard vending machines, in use since 1999 and removed last December, are notable for their colorful, metal design and substantial size, contrasting with the newer OMNY tap-to-pay machines.
- The MTA still holds millions of unsold MetroCards, which it plans to either destroy or auction in the future.
