Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has announced that it is in the midst of a major overhaul of its Breeze fare collection system, introducing modern equipment and payment methods designed to make transit more secure, convenient, and user-friendly.
The upgrade, often referred to as the “Better Breeze” system, includes installing new faregates, fareboxes, validators, and touchscreen ticket vending machines across the entire rail and bus network.
MARTA Upgrades Breeze Fare System
Installation is proceeding in phases, with new equipment already appearing at rail stations. Riders are currently unaffected and should continue using existing Breeze cards or the current mobile app as normal—no changes to bus or rail service are occurring.
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For any station-specific construction impacts, such as entrance detours, MARTA advises checking its website or signage.
The current Breeze fare media—including physical Breeze cards and the existing Breeze Mobile app—will become incompatible with the upgraded system and will be discontinued after May 2, 2026. After that date, riders will need to use the new fare options to board trains or buses.
Key features of the new system include:
- New fare equipment — More secure faregates that can be remotely monitored and adjusted, helping to reduce fare evasion and enhance overall safety.
- Open payment options — Riders can tap contactless bank cards or mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay) directly at faregates or fareboxes to pay for fares.
- New Breeze app — The current Breeze Mobile 2.0 will be replaced. Users will need to download a new Breeze app and set up a virtual Breeze card to purchase and manage fares digitally.
- New Breeze cards — These will be account-based, meaning stored value and passes live in the customer’s online account rather than on the physical card itself. Options for multi-day and monthly passes will continue to be available.
Important transition details:
A dual-system period will run from March 28 to May 2, 2026, allowing both old and new equipment to operate side-by-side. This gives riders time to use up remaining balances on current media, purchase new fare products, and get comfortable with the changes.
However, any unused fare balances on current Breeze cards or accounts will not transfer to the new system and will be lost if not spent by May 2, 2026. MARTA strongly encourages riders to “spend down” existing value during this window.
Sale of current Breeze products will end in phases starting in March 2026:
- 30-day passes: Last day to buy — March 1, 2026
- 20- and 10-trip passes: Last day — March 15, 2026
- 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 7-day passes: Last day — March 22, 2026
- 1- and 2-trip passes: Last day — March 28, 2026
New Breeze cards, along with multi-day and monthly passes, will go on sale starting March 28, 2026. They will be available at the new touchscreen vending machines, RideStores, Reduced Fare offices, and various pop-up locations around the system (details on pop-ups to be announced in March).
For riders eligible for reduced fare or MARTA Mobility services, options include obtaining a new physical card or using the new mobile app. They can visit a Reduced Fare office, email reducedfare@itsmarta.com, or call 404-848-5112 for assistance.
The upgrade aligns with MARTA’s broader efforts to modernize transit in metro Atlanta, including preparations for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring increased ridership to the region.
Final Word
These changes are underway as MARTA preps for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
For the latest updates, station-specific information, and resources on the transition, visit MARTA’s official website at itsmarta.com or the dedicated Better Breeze page. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid any disruptions after the May 2 cutoff.
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