Red Line riders will get a variety of new vending machine options, thanks to a new pilot program announced by the Chicago Transit Authority Tuesday.
Portable charging, fresh organic food, and a photo booth will be among the options installed this Spring along the Red Line and at other stops.
“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 CTA President Carter
MobileQubes vending machines will dispense battery charging packs for iPhones and other mobile devices, either for sale or for rent. Rentals will charge a one-time $4.99 fee. with a 99-cent perday charge after that. The machines will be installed at 26 CTA stations, mostly along the Red Line.
Farmer’s Fridge is a Chicago-based healthy food startup. It offers fresh, ready-to-eat snacks and meals. Four of their machines will be installed, including at the Grand and Fullerton stops on the Red Line. Other machines will be at Indiana on the Green Line, and Damen on the Pink Line.
Another new vending machine will be a DNP Photo Booth at the Chicago station on the Red Line. It will dispense photos that could be used for recreational, travel, and business uses, including passport and ID photos.
All three vendors will cover the costs of installation and upkeep, according to a statement from the CTA.
