ATLANTA, GA – March 13, 2026 – Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) riders can look forward to riding in modern, state-of-the-art trains this summer, with the first of the agency’s long-awaited CQ400 series railcars scheduled to begin revenue service “on or before” June 5, according to Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt.

The announcement comes as MARTA ramps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring eight matches to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (referred to in some planning as Atlanta Stadium) starting in mid-June.

New MARTA Train to Enter Passenger Service by June 5 Ahead of FIFA World Cup

The new trains are seen as a key part of ensuring smoother, more reliable service during what is expected to be one of the busiest periods in the system’s history.

Hunt shared the updated timeline during recent discussions with state legislators and in agency updates, emphasizing MARTA’s focus on delivering tangible improvements for daily commuters and major-event visitors alike.

The CQ400 cars, manufactured as part of a $700 million+ investment to replace aging fleet vehicles, feature open gangways for easier movement between cars, forward-facing seating, USB charging stations, real-time information displays, enhanced safety monitoring, and a noticeably quieter, smoother ride compared to current trains.

Testing of the new railcars has been progressing steadily, with multiple units already undergoing rigorous on-track evaluations, including high-speed runs under their own power.

Four train sets are currently in testing phases, and agency leaders have expressed confidence in meeting the aggressive rollout schedule.

“We are laser-focused on project delivery,” Hunt has stated in recent interviews and briefings. The goal is to have 5 to 7 of the new train sets in regular service by the time World Cup crowds arrive, helping accommodate the anticipated surge in ridership for matches and related events.

MARTA’s broader 2026 transformation plan—branded as “New Year, New MARTA”—includes additional upgrades timed for the global soccer tournament, such as the rollout of contactless “Better Breeze” fare payment (allowing taps with credit cards, smartphones, or smartwatches), station enhancements for cleanliness and multilingual signage, increased security presence, and expanded bus and rail operations around key venues like Five Points, GWCC, Vine City, and SEC District stations.

While the World Cup has accelerated timelines for several projects, Hunt has stressed that these investments represent long-term commitments to modernizing transit in metro Atlanta, not just event-specific fixes.

The CQ400 series rollout will continue over the coming years, with a total of 56 new train sets planned to gradually replace older models and boost overall capacity and reliability.

MARTA encourages riders to stay tuned to its official channels for more details on the exact launch date and initial routes for the new trains.

As Atlanta prepares to welcome the world this summer, the agency says these improvements will help ensure that transit remains a safe, convenient, and welcoming option for getting to the action.

For the latest updates, visit itsmarta.com or follow @MARTAtransit on social media.