Popularity of Transit Merchandise and Experiences for Holidays

By Philip Mayer, Association Volunteer

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Washington, DC

WMATA, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, opened its third annual holiday Pop-up Shop on November 29. The sale will be held in the city’s flagship Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library until December 20.

The enormously popular Metro holiday sweater is back in adult and youth sizes. There were toys such as a wooden bus and train, and a stuffed Metro bear. Holiday ornaments are sold in packs of $50 for 8 or one elaborate train ornament for the same price.

Everything looked so appealing, but I could not resist buying a varsity style brown and cream-colored jacket, which after only a few days has already garnered several positive comments from people I pass on the street or in the grocery store. And just for fun, I also bought a Metro themed dreidel which at $1 seemed incredibly inexpensive, especially since library cardholders received a 10% discount.

Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, SEPTA, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, opened their holiday popup market on November 26 on Market St. adjacent to SEPTA’s headquarters. Their offerings include a wide array of stylish transit related clothing. Featured on some tshirts, sweatshirts, and totebags is local artist Margaret Mahoney’s winning submission for the 2025 holiday design, which features a SEPTA bus driving in front of the Philadelphia skyline. SEPTA also offers meticulously crafted scale models of Comet commuter train cars. First manufactured in the early 1970s, SEPTA first acquired Comet cars in 1987. The elegant models feature period appropriate livery and sell for $399.95.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s MUNI always has an impressive array of merchandise on offer including socks, mugs, tshirts, and hats. This year, their “Merry Days of MUNI” collection includes very vibrant and colorful pajamas and pullovers featuring images from across the city. There is also a wooden muni train car and wrapping paper on sale.

Chicago

In the Chicago area, Metra’s 2025 holiday trains were an enormous success. All three train experiences, scheduled for December 6, 13, and 20 sold out very quickly. Their popularity was surely aided by their modest price of $10. On the Metra Electric Line on December 13, a ride will include a visit to a North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station, featuring treats, holiday music, face painting and other fun activities. On the other lines, the ride includes a round-trip ride on a decorated train featuring holiday characters and treats. “Our Holiday Trains have become an annual tradition for our riders and their families, and we are happy to be operating them again,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “It’s our way to spread a little holiday joy and thank our riders for making Metra part of their lives all year.”

Boston

The MBTA’s, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, first annual “ugly sweater” might not be “ugly” per se, but certainly is a loud conversation starter for this holiday season. The light blue sweater features a green line light rail vehicle (LRV) with Boston’s iconic skyline in the background. Multi-colored LED lights illuminate the train as well as the buildings in the background.

New York

In New York City on December 2, MTA, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, unveiled a line of merchandise in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in celebration of the 40th anniversary of MTA Arts and Design, an arm of MTA dedicated to bringing the arts to the system. The exhibit and merchandise is inspired by the system’s 81st St.-Museum of Natural History station on the B and C lines.

The station’s expansive mixed-media art installation, titled “For Want of a Nail,” comprises glass mosaic, glass tile, ceramic tile, granite, and bronze relief. “Transit’s not just a way to get from point A to point B, it’s a cultural experience,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Few stations make the point better than 81 St–Museum of Natural History, with its stunning mosaics.”

The collection of apparel and accessories for all ages — adult and children’s t-shirts, a fleece sweatshirt, water bottle, tote, backpack, hat, stickers, magnets and collectible pins. Merchandise is available exclusively at the AMNH Gift Shop and online store while supplies last.