.jpeg "Better Breeze Card")
Image Description: The image above shows a new Breeze Card sitting on the “tap to pay” payment feature on top of a new faregate. The new faregates and validators allow customers to pay by tapping a credit/debit card or mobile wallet (smart phone).
Project Overview
MARTA is replacing its entire Breeze fare collection system with a modern, flexible system that is easier to use and more secure. The better Breeze system will keep the popular Breeze name, but all fare collection equipment and fare media (Breeze cards and the mobile app) will be replaced or updated.
RIDER ALERT
Construction:
Better Breeze fare equipment is being installed in phases systemwide to maintain access to all stations. During the better Breeze System Transition:
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Rail and bus service is unchanged.
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Construction to install the new faregates may change the way customers can enter/exit stations across the system. Pay special attention to signage and announcements at rail stations.
- New faregates may be installed, but they will not be ready for use until the transition begins March 28, 2026.
New Breeze System Transition:
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Customers should continue using current fare media (Breeze cards and the mobile app) and equipment until the transition period from March 28 to May 2, 2026, when both the current and new Breeze systems will operate.
- New Breeze cards along with multi-day and monthly passes will be available for purchase beginning March 28, 2026.
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Customers are encouraged to spend down their stored fare by May 2, 2026. Remaining balances may be transferred from a current registered account to a new, registered Breeze account May 2 through Oct. 30, 2026.
- MARTA will stop selling current Breeze fare products beginning in March. Below are the last dates to purchase current Breeze fare products:
- 30-day passes: March 1, 2026
- 20- and 10-trip passes: March 15, 2026
- 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 7-day passes: March 22, 2026
- 1 and 2 trip passes: March 28, 2026
Upcoming Construction Schedule for Equipment Installation
Due to the recent extreme temperatures, the next wave of new Breeze faregate installations that was scheduled to begin on Monday, February 9, 2026, has been delayed. Revised start dates are below.
Installing the new faregates requires replacing utility ducts and pouring new concrete subfloors to support the weight of the new equipment. The recent extreme cold has prevented our contractors from pouring the new concrete in some locations, because the material needs higher temperatures to set properly.
We expect to get back on schedule with this adjustment, as we work toward transitioning to the new Breeze system beginning March 28.
Starting Tuesday, February 17 – Sandy Springs Station: All faregates closed for construction.
Use emergency gates. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
Starting Tuesday, Wednesday, 18 – King Memorial Station: All faregates closed for construction.
Use emergency gates. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
Starting Thursday, February 19 – Garnett Station: All faregates closed for construction.
Use emergency gates. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
Starting Friday, February 20 – Dunwoody Station: All faregates closed.
Faregates next to State Farm office building will close. Use emergency gates. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
Starting Monday, February 23 – Brookhaven Station: All faregates closed for construction.
Use emergency gates. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
Starting Tuesday, February 24 – Peachtree Center Station: Half of faregates closed for construction at both north and south entrances.
Use existing faregates nearby.
Starting Wednesday, February 25 – Civic Center Station: One set of faregates closed for construction on both Northbound and Southbound platforms.
Customers should use the open faregates nearby.
Click here to see stations in progress.
.jpg "Avondale Station AFC Construction Signage")
Image description: A sign guides customers to operational faregates during construction at Avondale Station.
Stations with Equipment Installation in Progress
Lenox Station: Lenox Road entrance near mall closed
Use emergency gate at north entrance (Resurgens Plaza). Bus/shuttle customers ONLY: Use lower concourse emergency gate to bus loop. Please follow signage and allow up to 10 extra minutes. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
West End Station: South faregates closed
Use north faregates. Customers who park in the south lot should follow signs on either side of the station to reach the north faregates. Please allow three extra minutes.
.jpg "New Breeze Vending Machine Opened Up")
Image description: Construction crews install new Breeze vending machines at Lindbergh Station. A new machine is opened up behind two construction workers.
Better Breeze Features
Once the systemwide transition to the better Breeze system begins on March 28, 2026, customers will experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ride MARTA now?
Customers should continue using their current Breeze card and Breeze Mobile 2.0 app and the existing fare equipment at stations and on vehicles until the customer transition period from March 28 to May 2, 2026.
Can I use my current Breeze card on the better Breeze system?
No. Current Breeze cards are not compatible with the new, better Breeze system. Customers are encouraged to spend down their stored fare by May 2, 2026. Remaining balances may be transferred from a current registered account to a new, registered Breeze account May 2 through Oct. 30, 2026.
Beginning March 28, 2026, Breeze card holders can purchase new cards at Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide. The new Breeze cards are account based and fare is stored in a customer’s account rather than on the card.
Can I use the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app on the better Breeze system?
No. The current Breeze Mobile 2.0 app is not compatible with the new, better Breeze system. Customers are encouraged to spend down their stored fare by May 2, 2026. Remaining balances may be transferred from a current registered account to a new, registered Breeze account May 2 through Oct. 30, 2026.
Beginning in April 2026, Breeze Mobile app users will need to delete Breeze Mobile 2.0 and download the new Breeze Mobile app.
Customers must create a new account with a virtual Breeze card to purchase fare through the new app.
When can I use the new faregates and Breeze vending machines?
Beginning March 28, 2026, MARTA will begin transitioning from the current Breeze system to the Better Breeze system.
Customers who enter a rail station through an open entry point must have fare to exit at their destination.
Pay special attention to signage and announcements at rail stations to navigate the ongoing fare equipment installation.
Will better Breeze work on all MARTA service?
Yes. All MARTA services will utilize the better Breeze fare payment system including rail, bus, the streetcar, MARTA Mobility paratransit service, and soon to be launched bus rapid transit service (Rapid A-Line) and on-demand transit service (MARTA Reach).
Will the better Breeze system affect Mobility and Reduced Fare service?
Beginning March 28, 2026, MARTA Mobility and Reduced Fare customers will transition to the new fare system and will have the added option of using a new Breeze card OR downloading the new app and using a "virtual card" via the app on a smart phone. Visit a Reduced Fare office, email reducedfare@itsmarta.com or call 404-848-5112.
What is open payment and how does it work?
Open payment allows customers to use a bank card (debit or credit card) or a mobile wallet on their smart phone or watch to pay their fare. Customers can simply tap the physical bank card or their smart device on the faregate or farebox and enter the rail station or board the vehicle. Open payment is used widely at retailers and restaurants and by many of the world’s largest transit agencies including MTA in New York City and will be especially convenient for international visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How do I receive a new Breeze card?
Beginning March 28, 2026, customers can purchase new cards at Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide.
Can I still use cash to pay my fare?
Yes. Cash will still be accepted as fare payment on local bus routes. Cash transactions remain available to purchase a Breeze ticket or card at a Breeze vending machine, Ride Store, or Reduced Fare office.
.jpg "New Faregates")
Image Description: The image above shows new faregates and Breeze machines installed at Lindbergh Station. The new system will go live March 28, 2026. Stay tuned for more information.
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Please submit comments or questions regarding the project to:
custserv@itsmarta.com.