The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has embarked on a new venture to revitalize vacant retail spaces within the New York City subway system. In an effort to enhance commuter convenience, the MTA announced the installation of cashless vending machines in 26 subway stations. This initiative aims to address the dwindling number of traditional newsstands that have closed, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, highlighted the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of vending machines during a recent MTA board meeting. ‘Vending is obviously low cost, it doesn’t require as much investment in terms of the physical installation, and it works,’ Lieber stated. The MTA has already introduced these machines at three stations: 2nd Ave on the F line, 23 St on the R and W lines, and 116th St on the 6 line. Plans are in place to expand this service to an additional 23 stations next year, including prominent locations like Atlantic Av-Barclays Center, Broadway-Lafayette St, and Flushing-Main St on the 7 line.
Revitalizing Vacant Spaces
The MTA’s decision to install vending machines is part of a broader strategy to activate empty retail units. Many traditional newsstands that once occupied these spaces have not reopened since the pandemic. ‘We love the old school newsstands, but the economics of the old school newsstands eroded during COVID, and most of them didn’t want to come back,’ Lieber explained. The MTA has explored various ways to animate these spaces, including traditional retail stalls and art installations, but vending machines offer a practical and low-cost solution.
The Role of CC Vending, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company
The MTA selected CC Vending, Inc. to install and operate the vending kiosks following a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process. The contract between the MTA and CC Vending, Inc. spans five years, with an option to extend it for another five years. The Coca-Cola Company is providing the food and beverages for the initial phase of the rollout, offering a variety of snacks and drinks such as potato chips, candy bars, nuts, soda, and bottled water. The agreement also allows CC Vending, Inc. to expand its offerings to include technology, health, and beauty products in the future.
Enhancing the Commuter Experience
Shanifah Rieara, MTA Chief Customer Officer, emphasized the benefits of these vending machines for subway riders. ‘By turning vacant retail spaces into customer amenities, we are activating a space into one customers can benefit from,’ Rieara said. ‘We’re making stations more welcoming and more convenient, and we look forward to the installation of more vending machines and greater variety.’ Michael Cascione, President of CC Vending, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, ‘This initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter for New York City‘s subway system. Together with the MTA and Coca-Cola, we’re delivering a more convenient experience for millions of riders.’
The introduction of cashless vending machines represents a significant step forward in improving the subway commuting experience. As the MTA continues to explore innovative solutions to fill vacant retail spaces, commuters can look forward to more convenient and welcoming stations in the future.
