Vending machines to offer new amenities at CTA rail stations
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin a pilot program where customers at various rail stations can purchase a variety of amenities, such as snacks, souvenir photos and even mobile device charging packs.
The pilot program is the latest initiative by CTA President Dorval Carter to improve the customer experience on the CTA rail system.
“It has been my goal since day one to further enhance the transit rider experience and these pilots keep CTA on the cutting-edge of offering transit riders unique and practical services as part of any trip on our system,” said Carter. “This is just one way we are taking a fresh look at making taking public transit even more convenient for the on-the-go traveler.”
The vending machines, which will be rolled out this spring, will be provided by MobileQubes, DNP Photo Booth and Farmer's Fridge.
The MobileQubes vending machines will dispense battery charging packs for iPhones and mobile devices that customers can either purchase or rent. There is a $4.99 initial fee and $0.99 daily fee thereafter. Rentals can be returned at any machine nationwide. CTA has agreed to a pilot of 35 machines at 26 stations, mostly along the Red Line. The machines will provide a convenient way for customers to re-charge their electronic devices.
The DNP Photo Booth will be located at the Chicago Red Line station as part of the pilot program and will provide a convenient way for customers and tourists to get photos for recreational, travel and business use. This machine can be used for passport and ID photos ($14.99), as well as souvenir photos and portraits ($5).
Chicago-based Farmer’s Fridge, uses organic, locally-sourced food ingredients to make fresh, ready-to-eat snacks and meals that are made in the Fulton Market district. Four new vending Farmers_Fridgemachines will be installed at Grand (Red), Fullerton (Red, Brown, Purple), Indiana (Green) and Damen (Pink), offering healthy food options such as salads, soups, sandwiches, bowls, snacks and drinks/sparkling water.
The vending companies will cover all costs of installation, maintenance and electricity used to run these specialty machines. CTA contracted with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to market authority concession and vending opportunities that will generate non-farebox revenue for CTA. JLL identified these three vendors as the best fit with CTA’s image, services and facilities.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
