For those still looking for Christmas gifts, look no further because the MTA just released a gift guide selling old ‘memorabilia and collectibles’ including a dirty trash can and an old subway bench for as much as $650.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is officially selling old, used relics from New York City subways and buses, while marketing them as gifts this holiday season.
Some of the most bizarre gifts listed on the New York City Transit Memorabilia and Collectibles list include a wooden subway bench, which is the most expensive item on the list at a whopping $650 and an old, dirt-stained garbage can, promoted as a Refuse Canister, being sold for $300.
Sale: The MTA just released a gift guide of old ‘memorabilia and collectibles’ for the holidays and they’re selling everything from a dirty trash can to an old subway seat
Garbage: This garbage can could be yours as it’s being sold as a Refuse Canister on the MTA website for a whopping $300, with the stains and all
The garbage pail being sold is not only old, it is covered in stains and grime, but is advertised on the MTA site as if it is an antique.
‘Authentic, unique, and probably one of the most useful items in every home, work or office now can be yours. Hurry and grab this rare item which is available in limited quantity,’ the MTA wrote on the site.
Aside from the recycling bin, there are many other insane gifts available for purchase and while some are pricey, there are others that are more affordable.
However, the subway bench, which is the most expensive item, is described by the MTA as ‘an iconic part of the subway experience. This is your chance to get your hands on this underground furniture!’
‘We are very pleased to present a sales program designed especially for buyers interested in acquiring a little bit of NYC Transit’s History,’ the MTA site boasts.
Some of the more affordable merchandise includes vintage tokens ranging from two-four dollars, a subway station sign featuring Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn for $25, a grabhold for $25, and a bus annunciator for $75.
Meanwhile, if you really feel like splurging, there are pricier gifts like the subway seat and two passenger bus seat for an astonishing $500 each.
Wooden Subway Bench: For $650, this old wooden bench could belong to you as it’s ‘an iconic part of the subway experience’
Subway Seat: This old metal subway seat costs $500 and in an attempt to sell it, the site boasts, ‘can you imagine adding an authentic seat from the subway car to your home?’
Bus Seats: Available for $500, this two-passenger bus seat is falling apart at the seams but is described by the MTA as ‘plush’
While some might find the idea of a vintage subway replica such as an old sign or plaque, a sentimental gift, it is hard to believe that others would want to purchase some of the more outrageous items.
A metal handhold that millions of people have touched and held onto and a garbage can that is festering with germs and bacteria are just too insane.
The NYC Transit Surplus Material Sales offers up old relics that cost as much as $650 and as little as two dollars.
However, they do promote a sale where you can save 50% off all inventory, except for tokens, through December 4–18, 2017.
Aside from paying loads of money for the actual items, there are hidden fees that are tacked on.
A processing fee of $50 plus the cost of insurance, shipping and handling is also added to each order.
Plus, a sales tax is applied, making the final price of whatever you buy, quite expensive.
‘Each month we feature items of interest to buyers, collectors or anyone who shares an interest in NYC Transit’s History.
All items are sold with a Certificate of Authenticity.