.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 (faregates and fare validators) and fare media (Breeze cards and the mobile app) will be replaced or updated.
Customer Transition Period: March 28 - May 2, 2026
Customers should continue using current Breeze cards, the mobile app, and equipment until the customer transition period from March 28 to May 2, 2026, when both the current and new Breeze systems will operate. The transition period allows customers time to learn the new system and switch to the payment option that works best for them.
Available March 28, 2026:
During the customer transition, riders can still use their old Breeze cards and the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app at any existing old fare equipment, but old ticket vending machines will be turned off, and no fare may be added to old fare media.
Due to the phased construction approach, customers may encounter both old and new faregates and temporary entrances and exits during their travels. Depending on the fare equipment available at stations, during the customer transition period from March 28 – May 2, 2026, riders should be prepared to:
MARTA fare policy remains the same:
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Each customer needs their own form of payment. Do not “pass back” a Breeze card or bank card for others to use. If traveling with children or an individual without their own form of payment, you may purchase fare at any new touchscreen ticket vending machine. Note that multiple cards may now be purchased in one transaction at ticket vending machines. You may also pay for a companion using a different bank card than the one you used.
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You must use exactly the same payment method when transferring from bus to bus and bus to rail to ensure you are not charged additional fare. For example, if you tap your debit card on the bus, tap the same debit card at the faregate when transferring to rail.
Reduced Fare and Mobility:
- Mobility is $4 and by reservation only (404) 848-5826.
ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, Ride Gwinnett:
- Tap a bank card, mobile wallet, or new Breeze card on the orange bus validator.
- When transferring between MARTA and a partner transit system, you must use the same payment method when beginning your trip and transferring so you are not charged additional fare.
- For example, if you use your debit card to board an Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, or Ride Gwinnett bus, you must use the same debit card when transferring to MARTA.
Please note that even if your bank card and mobile wallet are linked to the same bank account, they are treated as different payment methods by the system. Use exactly the same payment method when transferring.
Balance Transfers:
Customers unable to spend down their current stored fare before switching to the better Breeze system, may transfer their balance to a new, registered Breeze account May 2 – Oct. 30, 2026. Information on how to transfer your balance will be shared soon.
Upcoming Construction Schedule for Equipment Installation
Better Breeze fare equipment is being installed in phases systemwide to maintain access to all stations. During construction:
- New faregates may be installed, but they will not be ready for use until the transition begins March 28, 2026.
Starting Monday, March 23, 2026 – Decatur Station: East faregates closed for construction. Use emergency gate at east entrance or west faregates.
Starting Tuesday, March 24, 2026 – North Avenue Station: South faregates closed for construction. Use emergency gate at south entrance or north faregates.
Starting Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – College Park Station: All faregates closed for construction. Use emergency gates on either side.
Starting Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Arts Center Station: All faregates closed for construction. Use emergency gates on either side.
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
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:
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New equipment: Customers will use new faregates and fareboxes, validators, and modern, touchscreen Breeze vending machines systemwide.
- New faregates are harder to tamper with and can be monitored and adjusted remotely, reducing incidents of fare evasion and resulting in a safer, more secure transit system.
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.
Breeze Mobile app users will need to delete Breeze Mobile 2.0 and download the new Breeze Mobile app when it becomes available in Spring 2026. More information to come.
Customers must create a new account with a virtual Breeze card to purchase fare through the new app.
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.
Partner Toolkit
The toolkit includes shareable project communications
including a fact sheet, sample stakeholder email, and
social media, images, graphics, and more.
Access Partner Toolkit
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.
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Please submit comments or questions regarding the project to:
custserv@itsmarta.com.