Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 19, 2009

New changes for Metrocheks begin April 1

Metrocheks can no longer be exchanged for rail and bus passes

The rules for exchanging paper Metrocheks will change beginning April 1 when customers will no longer be able to exchange Metrocheks for bus or rail passes, tokens or SmartBenefits® vouchers at Metro sales offices.

People who still have the old Metrocheks can continue to use the paper cards. The best way to exchange Metrocheks is to load the value onto a SmarTrip® card. The entire amount of unused Metrocheks can be transferred to SmarTrip® cards at the Passes/Farecards machines in Metrorail stations. If the Metrocheks have been used, only Metrocheks of $7 or less may be transferred to SmarTrip® at the Passes/Farecards machines. Riders also may continue to use paper Metrocheks like regular paper farecards in the Metrorail system.

Metro discontinued issuing Metrocheks in November and only provides the transit benefit through its SmartBenefits® program. SmartBenefits® allows employers to electronically administer the transit benefit online and directly allocate the benefit to their employees’ SmarTrip® cards. All regional bus systems now accept SmarTrip® for payments.

For more information about Metro’s SmartBenefits® program, visit http://www.wmata.com/business/employer_fare_program/. Area federal and private employers also are invited to attend a free SmartBenefits® seminar to learn about the transit incentive program on Tuesday, April 7. The seminar will take place from 8:45 a.m. to noon at Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC. The monthly transit benefit recently increased to $230. Employers wishing to participate in the seminar can register by clicking on SmartBenefits® on MetroOpensDoors.com or call 202-962-1326 and select option 3.

News release issued at 11:29 am, March 19, 2009.