Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 1, 2010

Metro upgrades vending machines for customers to purchase passes, farecards

100 vending machines upgraded with federal stimulus dollars

Metro recently upgraded 100 vending machines throughout the Metrorail system to make it easier for customers to purchase Metrorail passes and farecards, add value to their existing SmarTrip® cards and download SmartBenefits®. With the addition of the 100 upgraded machines, about two-thirds or 446 of 677 fare vending machines, now accept both cash and credit/debit cards to purchases Metrorail passes and farecards.

Passes/Farecards machines accept cash and credit/debit cards. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB and Discover cards are accepted. Customers can purchase single or multiple farecards, along with the One-Day Pass, 7-Day Short Trip Pass and 7-Day Fast Pass. Customers can also add value to SmarTrip® cards at the Passes/Farecards machines.

Busier Metrorail stations such as Shady Grove, Union Station and Vienna/Fairfax-GMU have more machines to accommodate a greater number of users.

Metrorail passes and farecards currently are available for purchase online, at Passes/Farecard machines in every Metrorail station and at Metro sales offices and commuter stores.

SmarTrip® cards are available for purchase online, through vending machines at all Metrorail stations where Metro-operated daily parking is available and at Metro sales offices, retail outlets (such as Giant and CVS/pharmacy), and commuter stores.

The upgraded Passes/Farecards machines were made possible by $3.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus dollars.

News release issued at 12:48 pm, July 1, 2010.