Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 19, 2004

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and MasterCard International could turn your next commute into your next vacation

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) today announced that Metrorail customers who use their MasterCard card to purchase a farecard or SmarTrip® card from April 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a 6-day, 5-night stay with round-trip coach air transportation for two to a participating member of National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America located within the 48 contiguous United States.

"Because we share a tradition of excellence and focus on quality customer service, WMATA is pleased to join MasterCard on this promotion," said Leona Agouridis, assistant general manager of communications for Metro. "Through this special sweepstakes, transit customers have the opportunity to win an amazing trip, just by using their MasterCard for commuter fare purchases. It’s our way of saying ’thank you’ for using mass transit in the Washington metropolitan area."

"MasterCard offers innovative benefits for cardholders when making everyday purchases," said Donna Johnson, vice president, Acceptance Development, MasterCard International. "This sweepstakes promotion with Metrorail gives commuters another reason to leave cash at home, and enjoy the flexibility, utility and security they expect with their MasterCard card."

The promotion is extended to all Metrorail customers who use their MasterCard card to add value to their SmarTrip card, purchase a farecard from Passes/Farecard machines in Metrorail stations or make purchases through the Metro Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com. Consumers can also enter by mail in accordance with the Official Rules.

The grand prize winner will be randomly selected on or about October 5, 2004 at the conclusion of the promotion and will be notified by telephone and/or mail.

For a complete list of participating member National Trust Historic Hotels of America, visit www.historichotels.org.

About MasterCard International MasterCard
International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members’ credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard International manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands including MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus and serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Priceless advertising campaign is now seen in 96 countries and in 47 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to www.mastercardinternational.com.

About Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) was created by an interstate compact in 1967 to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system in the national capital area. The Authority began building its rail system in 1969, acquired four regional bus systems in 1973, and began operating the first phase of Metrorail in 1976.

Today, Metrorail serves 83 stations and has 103 miles of track. A fleet of 904 rail cars provides service from 5:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Metrobus serves the nation’s capital 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week with 1,443 buses. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of 3.4 million within a 1500 square mile jurisdiction. For more information about Metro, including schedules and fares, visit Metro’s Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. PIN-based and international transactions not eligible. Starts 4/1/04. Ends 8/31/04. Restrictions apply. Subject to Official Rules available online at www.metroopensdoors.com or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: 2004 MasterCard WMATA Sweepstakes Rules, P.O. Box 13106, Bridgeport, CT 06673-3106.

News release issued on April 19, 2004.