MTA Is Auctioning Off Its Last 60 MetroCard Machines
New York's iconic MetroCard vending machines are heading to auction as the city's transit system completes its shift to the tap-and-pay OMNY system.
New York City Transit opened bidding Wednesday, Aug. 5, on the last 60 MetroCard machines still in its possession, with the auction running through Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 8 p.m. The offering includes both MetroCard Vending Machines and the smaller MetroCard Express Machines. "First installed in 1999, the colorful metal MVM and MEM are familiar to the millions of riders who take the subway each day," the MTA said in its release.
What's Available and How Much It Costs
The full-sized MetroCard Vending Machines, which allowed riders to buy and reload cards using cash, credit or debit, weigh roughly 1,050 pounds and measure 80 inches long, 42 inches wide and 36 inches deep. The smaller MetroCard Express Machines, which only accepted credit and debit payments and were typically found at busier stations, weigh about 210 pounds. According to the MTA's bidding form, the minimum best and final offer for each machine is $1,500.
Lucas Bejarano, the MTA's media relations analyst, confirmed to Inc. that the agency is auctioning off its remaining 60 machines. Joana Flores, the MTA's media liaison, told the outlet that proceeds from the auction will go toward NYC Transit's General Operating Budget.
What Buyers Need to Know
Winning bidders are responsible for their own loading, transportation and logistics, the MTA is not providing any assistance moving the machines. Buyers must pick up their purchased machines within 10 days of notification unless otherwise authorized. A limited number of machines are available for pickup in Brooklyn, while the rest must be collected in Queens, with pickup locations shared only after payment is received. All bids are considered final.
Alongside the auction, the MTA is also giving away VIP access to its next Pop-Up Shop event to 15 randomly selected entrants who sign up through a separate promotional link.
The End of an Era for the MetroCard
The auction marks another step in New York's yearslong transition away from the MetroCard system, which the MTA has said will save the agency at least $20 million annually once fully replaced by OMNY, largely by eliminating costs tied to card production, distribution, vending machine upkeep and cash handling. The MTA previously announced it would stop selling MetroCards altogether by the end of 2025, with the full OMNY rollout expected to be complete once all 472 subway stations have functioning OMNY vending machines installed.
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