The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched an auction for its final batch of MetroCard vending machines, giving New Yorkers a chance to own a piece of transit history as the agency shifts to the contactless Omny fare system. The online auction began Wednesday morning and will close on 19 August, with 60 machines available for bidding.
Machines Up for Grabs
The MTA is offering both the larger MetroCard Vending Machines (MVM) and the smaller MetroCard Express Machines (MEM), which have been staples in subway stations since their introduction in 1999. Each full-size MVM measures 80 inches long, 42 inches wide, and 36 inches deep (203 cm x 107 cm x 91 cm), weighing a hefty 1,050 pounds (476 kg). The express machines, added later to speed up transactions at busy stations by accepting only card payments, are 21 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 42 inches high, tipping the scales at about 210 pounds.
According to MTA media liaison Joana Flores, the agency is auctioning off the very last machines. "Today, we began auctioning off the last MetroCard vending machines. There are a total of 60," she said. The final publicly accessible machine, located at Mulry Square in Greenwich Village, now displays a QR code for commuters to scan if they wish to place a bid.
Condition and Sale Terms
The machines are being sold "as-is" in non-operational condition, with their electronic and payment processing components already removed. Winning bidders must pay in full on the day they are notified and are required to arrange pickup within 10 days, taking on the responsibility of loading and transporting these heavy units. Flores noted that any machines not sold through the auction will be listed on GovDeals, but she expects them to sell quickly: "Usually, these things are hot-ticket items – they tend to go fast."
In addition to the auction, the MTA is running a public sweepstake. Fifteen lucky winners will be randomly selected to skip the queue at the agency's annual transit memorabilia pop-up sale in October and receive a 20% discount on purchases.
Cultural Icon and Farewell
The MetroCard has been more than just a fare payment method; it has been a cultural icon. Over the years, the cards featured commemorative editions, including one celebrating the 2000 World Series between the Mets and Yankees, and showcased famous musicians like David Bowie, Olivia Rodrigo, the Wu-Tang Clan, the Notorious BIG, and LL Cool J, as well as TV shows such as Seinfeld and Law & Order. Social media users have already shown interest, with comments like "Wild home decor idea" and "So tempted by this." NPR gameshow host Peter Sagal tweeted, "I haven't been a New Yorker since 1998 but I really, really want one."
The transition to Omny is ongoing. "We're no longer selling MetroCards, but we are accepting MetroCards," Flores said. While no exact date has been set for the full phase-out of the yellow cards, Flores confirmed that the agency will eventually "transition fully over to the tap and ride system."
