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Many Americans have become so accustomed to finding automated teller machines (ATMs) wherever they go, it’s almost inconceivable to consider they’d have to search for a bank branch to obtain cash. But such is the case in Madrid, Spain. At least, for now.



NCR Corp. July 19 announced it had won three contracts totaling several million dollars to supply, install and maintain 275 NCR Personas 70 ATMs in El Metro, Madrid’s subway system, with Spanish banks Banco Santander Central Hispano, Caja Madrid and Caja Duero.



"In Europe, we are seeing a trend away from ATMs being placed solely in bank branches," said Bob Tramontano, NCR Financial Solutions Division vice president, business development and strategic marketing, in a prepared statement. "The growing number of ATMs in subway stations, airports and coffee shops is reflecting consumer demand to bank at convenient locations where cash and other services are needed."



In what NCR says is the largest ATM installation in Madrid’s subway, the machines will be placed in subway station lobbies and ticket areas. And, in the future, patrons will be able to pay bills, update passbooks and purchase tickets, as well as retrieve cash. Caja Madrid already offers these features through its ATM network.



All three banks have expressed an interest in expanding the number of their branded ATMs in the city’s subway stations, depending on usage.



NCR officials plan to roll-out the ATMs in Madrid’s main stations later this year.