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3 clusters · 10 sources · 35 days · First seen · Last updated

NYC MTA vending machine initiatives and equipment auctions

Overview

In late July 2026, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) began installing cashless vending machines in 26 subway stations, starting with locations on the F, R/W, and 6 lines. The machines, supplied by CC Vending and stocked with Coca-Cola products and other items, are intended to revitalize vacant retail spaces left empty after newsstands disappeared during the pandemic. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber noted the machines are a low-cost way to activate these spaces, while MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara stated the initiative “makes stations more welcoming” by providing customer amenities. Plans are in place to add another 23 stations next year, including locations at Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center, Broadway-Lafayette St, and Flushing-Main St.

Following the rollout, the MTA conducted an auction of decommissioned MetroCard vending machines (MVM) and express machines (MEM) that were retired after the OMNY contactless system was implemented. The non-operational units, which had all electronic components removed, were sold “as-is, where-is” to collectors and enthusiasts.

The auction, which ran through mid-August 2026, saw significant interest, with 380 bids placed and some units fetching up to $3,000. Buyers, including collectors and artists, were responsible for transporting the heavy units from a warehouse in Maspeth, Queens. Beyond private sales, the MTA donated several machines to the New York City public school system, including installations at Stuyvesant High School and Transit Tech CTE High School.

Entities

Queens · Metropolitan Transportation Authority · Maspeth · Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) · MetroCard

Timeline

  1. 21 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    MTA auctions retired MetroCard vending machines to collectors

    The MTA auctioned over 60 retired MetroCard vending machines to collectors, with some units selling for up to $3,000 as the agency completes its transition to the OMNY tap-to-pay system.

  2. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    MTA launches auction of historic MetroCard vending machines in New York

    The MTA is auctioning off a limited number of decommissioned MetroCard vending and express machines, with bids open Aug 5‑19 2026; buyers must collect the heavy, non‑operational units themselves in Brooklyn or

  3. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    MTA rolls out cashless vending machines at New York subway stations

    The MTA is installing cashless vending machines in 26 NYC subway stations, starting with three locations, to replace vacant newsstand spaces and improve rider experience.

Sources

2001online.com · 6sqft.com · abc7ny.com · abenteuerleben.ch · ca.sports.yahoo.com · diariodelhuila.com · europesays.com · mta.info · ridgewoodpost.com · time.news

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history