Edenred Launches MasterCard® PayPass™ Commuter Check Card

Edenred, the premier provider of national commuter benefit programs, Commuter Check and WiredCommute, today announced the launch of a new contactless Commuter Check Prepaid MasterCard card. Enabled with MasterCard® PayPass™ contactless payment technology, the card enables commuters to pay for qualified public transportation expenses through their employer sponsored pre-tax benefit program with a simple tap.

In addition to helping commuters save money on their transit expenses, the card can be used as its own fare card within transit environments already equipped with contactless payment readers, such as subway turnstiles and bus fare collection boxes. Commuters just need to look for the MasterCard PayPass brand mark or universal contactless symbol "Tap and Go™,” eliminating the need to fumble for exact change and fare funds or wait in line at ticket machines and counters.

"The addition of MasterCard PayPass to our Commuter Check Card affirms Edenred’s commitment to providing a flexible commuter benefit program and leading innovation to meet the everyday commuting needs,” said Gerard Bridi, President of Edenred USA.

Riders using the new MasterCard PayPass-enabled card can choose from several different fare options per availability from the transit agency such as, a "pre-fund”, "pay-as-you-go”, time-based fares (one day, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly passes) as well as discounted fares for senior citizens, disabled and student riders.

The new card, is currently available to all participants in both the Commuter Check and WiredCommute programs, and can be used anywhere MasterCard PayPass is accepted within transit agencies across the US. In Salt Lake City, UT, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has installed electronic contactless payments readers on all the city buses and transit platforms. Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PATH), and NJ TRANSIT conducted a contactless payments pilot program on selected train and bus routes throughout New York City and New Jersey. Commuters in Portland, OR can purchase their transit pass at select ticket vending machines with just a tap. With more transit agencies adopting open payment systems Edenred is there to serve the needs of the everyday commuter.

Additional information about Edenred’s products and services can be viewed at www.commutercheck.com.

About Edenred USA

Edenred USA is a leader in innovative employee benefits solutions and premier provider of national commuter benefit programs: Commuter Check, a nationwide commuter benefits program provider; and WiredCommute, a private label program for third party administrators. Its mission is to make tax-free commuter benefits a staple in employee benefits packages throughout the American workplace – while helping protect the environment.

About Edenred Group

Edenred, which invented the Ticket Restaurant^® meal voucher and is the world leader in prepaid corporate services, designs and delivers solutions that make employees’ lives easier and improve the efficiency of organizations.

By ensuring that allocated funds are used specifically as intended, these solutions enable companies to more effectively manage their:

• Employee benefits (Ticket Restaurant^®, Ticket Alimentación, Ticket CESU, Childcare Vouchers, Commuter Check, WiredCommute etc.)
• Expense management process (Ticket Car, Ticket Cleanway, etc.)
• Incentive and rewards programs (Ticket Compliments, Ticket Kadéos, etc.)

The Group also supports public institutions in managing their social programs.

Listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris stock exchange, Edenred operates in 40 countries, with 6,000 employees, nearly 530,000 companies and public sector customers, 1.2 million affiliated merchants and 34.5 million beneficiaries. In 2010, total issue volume amounted to €13.9 billion, of which 55% was generated in emerging markets.

Ticket Restaurant® and all other tradenames of Edenred products and services are registered trademarks of Edenred SA.

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter: @mastercardnews.