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We often offer interesting memorabilia and collectibles from New York City Transit history for sale, and this month, we're excited to auction off a limited number of MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) and MetroCard Express Machines (MEMs).
Enter to win VIP access to a future MTA Memorabilia and Collectibles Pop-Up Shop!
First installed in 1999, the colorful metal MVM and MEM are familiar to the millions of riders who take the subway each day. There are a limited number of machines available through this auction, so we encourage anyone interested in owning a piece of transit history to read this information, and submit a bid soon.
The auction opens on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8 a.m. Offers must be received by Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Submitting a bid
Before submitting an offer, please:
- Review the listing and Terms and Conditions.
- Confirm you'd be able to arrange a pickup within 10 days.
- Make sure you'd be prepared to submit payment on the day you're notified, if your bid is successful.
- Complete all required fields on the bidding form.
Submit a bid through the online form.
Submission of an offer does not guarantee the purchase of a machine.
Sale information
- Successful bidders will be notified by email following the close of the offer period.
- Successful bidders must submit full payment by the close of business on the day they are notified.
- All machines are sold as-is and where-is in non-operational condition.
- The electronic and payment processing components have been removed prior to the sale.
- The MTA reserves the right to accept or reject any offer, in whole or in part, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the sale.
Pickup information
- Buyers are responsible for loading and transporting their purchased machines.
- The MTA will not provide any loading assistance or loading equipment. Buyers are solely responsible for loading their purchased machines onto their vehicle.
- Machines must be picked up within ten calendar days of notification unless otherwise authorized by the MTA.
- The pickup location will be provided after payment has been received.
- A limited quantity of machines is available for pickup in Brooklyn. The remaining machines must be picked up in Queens.
- Pickup locations will only be provided to successful bidders after payment has been received.
About the machines
MetroCard Vending Machines
First installed on January 25, 1999, the MVM allowed riders to purchase or reload MetroCards using cash, credit, and debit cards.
MVMs are 80 inches long, 42 inches wide, and 36 inches deep, and weigh approximately 1,050 pounds.
MetroCard Express Machines
Introduced later, the MEM allowed for additional machines at busy stations by offering only credit and debit card transactions.
MEMs are 21 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 42 inches high, and weigh approximately 210 pounds.
Some MEMs do not come with the pedestal shown above. You may receive one with or one without at time of pickup.
Photos shown are representative examples. The machine you receive may vary in appearance, condition, and configuration. Please review all listing information before submitting an offer.