Welcome To The CTA, Brought To You By Coke!

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 22, 2009 6:40PM

Facing a deep budget gap of its own, the CTA is making moves to earn a little cash. One way it's doing so is by re-upping a deal with soft drink maker Coca-Cola. The deal, which will net the CTA around $1.4 million over the next five years, means Coke is the exclusive provider of all drink vending machines at CTA stops. According to a press release by the CTA:

"In these tough economic times, this partnership is another way that the CTA seeks to generate revenue while also providing an amenity for customers," said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. "By continuing to evolve relationships with established vendors like Coca Cola, we are able to maximize revenue-generating programs like the vending machines already found across the system."

Coca Cola currently has 271 vending machines on CTA property. These machines will stay in place as Coca Cola evaluates the feasibility of adding machines across the system - including the introduction of machines that will accept credit and debit card payment. The new contract also will give customers a greater variety in their options at vending machines.

Still no word on where the CTA is in regards to the long-talked about possibility of selling naming rights to specific stations.