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

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

It will look great in your portfolio.

> “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!

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

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

Their collection of vintage gum scrapings perhaps?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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