[asjfkdlf]

The prize is very underwhelming. If they really want people to spend effort on it, they need to make the prize worth it.

[noitpmeder]

Seems perfect actually! Attracts people that are interested in the subject matter, not just a proposed reward.

[maxverse]

"we're hiring people that really love programming and aren't just in it for the money"

[0cf8612b2e1e]

It will look great in your portfolio.

[xtiansimon]

> “The winner will receive a vintage New York City Transit item from our memorabilia collection.”

Depends what it is. Long as it’s not something you could steal yourself. Ha!

[jesterman]

One of the options is literally a trash can! https://new.mta.info/document/85441

Or perhaps... a subway seat? https://new.mta.info/document/85661

[erikaww]

I’d give multiple weeks of time for a city trash can lol

[mannyv]

Their collection of vintage gum scrapings perhaps?

[nxobject]

Never underestimate the value of surplus NYC subway memorabilia to a transit enthusiast. Especially signage from retired rolling stock.

[zeroxfe]

If you're doing it for the prize, then you're not the targeted audience :-)

[afavour]

IMO it deliberately establishes a tone. This challenge is for rail fans, it’s not a generalised “use our API” hackathon type thing.

Plus the MTA has a huge budget crunch. I really don’t think they could justify spending money on something with such an unclear outcome.

[stevage]

Even still it probably cost tens of thousands of dollars of staff time.

[IncreasePosts]

The prize is being able to say you won the prize on your resume. I assume a lot of college kids in data science are going to be going at this.

[corytheboyd]

I think it actually sounds kinda cool, if it’s something unique that couldn’t just be purchased!