MTA launches auction of historic MetroCard vending machines in New York

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that it will auction a limited supply of decommissioned MetroCard Vending Machines (MVM) and MetroCard Express Machines (MEM). The devices, which served subway riders for nearly three decades before the OMNY contactless system replaced MetroCards, are being sold as non‑operational collectibles. The auction opened on August 5, 2026 and will close in mid‑August (the larger machines on August 25, the smaller on August 19). Successful bidders must arrange pickup within ten days, transporting the heavy units themselves – the larger machines weigh about 1,050 lb, the compact express models about 210 lb – from designated locations in Brooklyn or Queens. All electronic payment components have been removed and the machines are sold “as‑is, where‑is.”