.jpeg "Better Breeze Card")
Image Description: The image above shows a new Breeze Card sitting on the “tap to go” payment feature on top of the new faregates. The new faregates and validators allow customers to pay by tapping a credit/debit card or mobile wallet.
Project Overview
MARTA is replacing its entire Breeze fare collection system with a modern, flexible system that is easier 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 updated.
RIDER ALERT
Better Breeze fare equipment is being installed in phases systemwide to maintain access to all stations.
Installing new faregates may change the way customers can enter/exit stations across the system. Pay special attention to signage and announcements at rail stations to navigate the ongoing equipment installation.
Upcoming Construction Schedule for Equipment Installation
Monday, Jan. 5 – Buckhead Station (South faregates under construction):
Use emergency gate on South entrance (facing Peachtree Road) or use North entrance. Customers must pay fare to exit at destination.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 – Avondale Station (West faregates closed):
Follow signs to nearby bus loop faregates. Please allow three extra minutes.
Monday, Jan. 12 – Vine City Station (West faregates on Electric Ave. closed):
Use east faregates facing the Mercedes-Benz stadium. Please allow three extra minutes.
Click here to see stations in progress.
.jpg "New Faregates")
Image Description: The image above shows new faregates and Breeze machines installed at Lindbergh Station. The new system will go live in Spring 2026. Stay tuned for more information.
Current Status
Construction.
The better Breeze project launched a pilot in September 2025 with the removal of old equipment and installation of new equipment at Lindbergh Station. Construction at other stations is being implemented in phases throughout late 2025 and into early 2026. Current Breeze cards and mobile app will not work on the new equipment until the transition in April 2026.
Stations with Equipment Installation in Progress
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.
Image Description: Construction workers are shown removing old faregates at the south end of Lindbergh Station.
Better Breeze Features
Once the systemwide transition to the better Breeze system is complete in April 2026, customers will experience:
.jpg "AFC 2.- East Point Platform Signage")
Image Description: The image shows a sign directing customers to operational faregates at East Point Station during construction. A customer sits on a bench on the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better Breeze and how is it different than the current Breeze system?
Better Breeze is an all new, easier, more flexible, and more secure fare payment system. It includes:
- Open payment where customers can tap a bank card or mobile wallet directly on faregates or fareboxes to pay their fare.
- Reliable, touch screen Breeze vending machines.
- Modern fare equipment that reduces fare evasion and improves transit system security.
- New Breeze cards and a new mobile app that are compatible with the new system.
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.
Beginning April 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.
Current Breeze card holders must spend down the existing fare on their account. Account balances DO NOT carry over.
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.
Beginning 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. Current Breeze Mobile 2.0 app users must spend down the existing fare on their account. Account balances DO NOT carry over.
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 in April 2026.
When can I use the new faregates and Breeze vending machines?
Better Breeze fare equipment is being installed systemwide and not yet ready for use. Beginning in April 2026, MARTA will begin transitioning customers from the current Breeze system to the Better Breeze system.
Construction and equipment installation is being done in phases to maintain access to all rail stations. 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 in April 2026, MARTA Mobility and Reduced Fare customers will transition to the new fare system and will then 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 on 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 April 2026, customers can purchase new cards at Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide.
When can I download the new app?
Beginning 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.
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.
 (3).jpg "Better Breeze New Vending Machine_Rhonda")
Image description: MARTA Deputy General Manager Rhonda Allen demonstrates how to use a new Breeze vending machine at Lindbergh Center Station. New equipment will be installed but not available for use until the customer transition period in April 2026.
Stay Informed
Stay tuned for website updates and sign up for email updates below to learn about important updates including construction information and how to transition to the new system.
Sign Up for Updates
Please submit comments or questions regarding the project to:
custserv@itsmarta.com.