From phone chargers to photos to food, CTA customers will enjoy more conveniences as they travel to work, school or home
The Chicago Transit Authority today announced a pilot program to bring new amenities for customers at various rail stations across the CTA system. Three specialty vending machines will dispense everything from mobile device charging packs, to souvenir photos, to fresh and healthy snacks for commuters --- the latest initiative by CTA President Dorval Carter to further improve the transit riding experience.
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 stocks its vending machines with chef-curated, restaurant-quality meals and snacks. Four new vending 
machines will be installed at Grand (Red), Fullerton (Red, Brown, Purple), Indiana (Green) and Damen (Pink), offering healthy food and beverage options for commuters. This is another convenience for customers seeking to find a healthy snack/meal alternative for work, school or home, saving them time as they commute.
“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. “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 companies will cover all costs of installation, maintenance and even 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.
All three vendors plan to rollout their machines this spring.
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