New York City transit auctions off last MetroCard machines
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has begun auctioning its final MetroCard vending machines, giving New Yorkers a chance to own a piece of transit history as the system transitions to contactless payments.
New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has started auctioning off its last MetroCard vending machines, giving riders a chance to take home one of the transit system's most recognizable fixtures. The online auction began Wednesday morning and will run through 19 August, the MTA said.
The agency is offering a limited number of retired MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) and MetroCard Express Machines (MEMs), first installed in 1999 and familiar to millions of daily subway riders. MTA spokesperson Joana Flores confirmed that 60 machines are being auctioned. The last remaining public-facing machine, located at Mulry Square in Greenwich Village, now displays a QR code for commuters to scan if they want to bid.
The larger machines allowed riders to buy or reload MetroCards with cash, credit and debit cards. Each unit is 203 cm long, 107 cm wide and 91 cm deep, and weighs 476 kg. The smaller Express machines, introduced later to ease congestion, accept only credit and debit cards; they measure about 53 cm by 36 cm by 107 cm and weigh roughly 95 kg.
All machines are being sold as-is and are not operational, as their electronic and payment-processing components have been removed. Winning bidders must pay in full on the day they are notified and must arrange pickup within 10 days, including loading and transporting the heavy equipment.
Alongside the auction, the MTA is holding a sweepstakes in which 15 randomly selected winners will get early VIP access to the agency's annual transit memorabilia pop-up sale in October, plus a 20% discount on purchases. If any machines remain unsold at the end of the auction, they could be offered at that pop-up sale, Flores said.
The MetroCard, once a symbol of commuting in New York, has also been a canvas for promotions. Commemorative editions marked the 2000 World Series between the Mets and Yankees, and cards have featured musicians such as David Bowie, Olivia Rodrigo, Wu-Tang Clan, The Notorious BIG and LL Cool J, as well as TV shows including Seinfeld and Law & Order.
Some social media users are already expressing interest, with comments like "Wild home decor idea" and "So tempted by this." NPR gameshow host Peter Sagal wrote that he really wants one, even though he hasn't been a New Yorker since 1998.
The auction comes as the MTA continues replacing MetroCards with Omny, its contactless fare payment system. The agency no longer sells MetroCards but still accepts them, and although no date has been set for a full switch, officials say the system will eventually move entirely to tap-and-ride.
