Capital
Projects

Better Breeze: MARTA's New Fare Collection System

Better Breeze Card

Image Description: The image above shows a close up of the new Breeze Card sitting on the “tap to go” payment feature on top of the new faregates. The new faregates and validators will have open payment where customers can tap a bank card or mobile wallet.  

Project Overview  

MARTA is replacing its entire fare collection system with a modern, flexible system that is easier and more secure. The new system will keep the popular Breeze name, but all fare collection equipment and fare media (Breeze cards and the mobile app) will be updated. This major investment in state-of-the-art technology will prioritize equity and regional mobility to prepare Atlanta for the future.

RIDER ALERT

Better Breeze fare equipment is being installed in phases systemwide to maintain access to all stations. 

  • Customers should continue using current fare media (Breeze cards and the mobile app) and equipment until the transition in April 2026.  

  • The phased construction approach means new faregates may be installed but are not ready for use. 

  • Instructions on how and when to transition to the new fare system will be shared in the coming months.  

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, Dec. 15 – Hamilton E. Holmes Station (West faregates closed): 

Customers who enter through the tunnel from the north parking lot must go around to the east faregates near the bus loop. Please allow about three extra minutes. 

Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Civic Center Station (One set of faregates closed on both Northbound and Southbound platforms): 

Customers should follow signs to use the other faregates on each side. Please allow about two extra minutes. 

Monday, Dec. 22 – Midtown Station (South faregates facing Peachtree Place closed): 

Customers must go around to the north faregates facing 10th Street. Please allow about three extra minutes. 

Click here to see stations in progress. 

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 fare equipment until the transition in April 2026.   

Stations with Equipment Installation In Progress

Lindbergh Faregate Demo 2025

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:   

  • Quick and easy contactless payment: Simply tap a physical bank card or use the mobile wallet feature on a smart phone or watch at a rail station faregate or bus validator. 

  • New equipment: Customers will use new faregates and fareboxes, validators, and Breeze vending machines systemwide.  

    • New faregates are harder to tamper with and can be monitored and adjusted remotely, reducing incidents of fare evasion, resulting in a safer, more secure transit system.  
  • New cards: The new system will use new physical cards with a fresh design and continued options for multi-day and monthly passes.  

  • New app: Breeze Mobile 2.0 is going away. Customers will need to download an updated app and create a new account where they can store fare.      


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. 

Additional Information for Customers and Partners 

Frequently Asked Questions

Better Breeze FAQ

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. 

Back to top