The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will replace its entire fare collection system over the next six months, with a goal of spring 2026 for implementation and customer transition.
The system will keep the popular Breeze name, but fare media and fare collection equipment, including Breeze cards and tickets, faregates and validators, Breeze vending machines, and the mobile app, will be updated and modernized, along with fareboxes in later project phases.
MARTA Interim GM/CEO Jonathan Hunt said, as he mentioned before, his main goals as interim general manager are to increase ridership and improve the customer experience.
“The way to do that is by delivering safe, clean, and reliable service through routine excellence every day,” he said. “I want to continue beating the drum to ensure customers, partners, and stakeholders know MARTA is committed to these goals and committed to a customer-centered focus. The Better Breeze equipment marks a crucial step towards those goals.”
Hunt says the next generation of modern Breeze fare collection systems is easier, more flexible, and a more secure way to pay for service.
“It is a complete modernization of our entire system and fare gates and validators,” he said. “We have new ticketing vending machines, a new app, and newly designed Breeze cards. The state of technology has changed, and our customers have changed, and MARTA needs to meet our customers where they are.”
Between now and April 2026, Hunt says MARTA will continue the installation of hardware and software for the new system. Their first installation took place at Lindbergh MARTA Station, where MARTA officials displayed a preview of what the new system would look like. Currently, they are working on installation at the Doraville MARTA Station.
“The construction schedule has been developed to keep access to MARTA riders with the current Breeze system while installing the new one. You will see new equipment at rail stations in the coming months, but it won’t be ready for use yet,” he said. “You will still use your current Breeze card until we do the rollout in April 2026.”
Hunt says it’s great to keep fares unchanged for years, but not an entire fare collection system.
“MARTA is implementing some incredible projects and initiatives next year ahead of the World Cup, including new trains, a new bus network with on-demand transit zones, a new bus rapid transit line, and a new On the Go app and MARTA website,” he said. “We need to ensure our Breeze system is aligned with these once-in-a-generation improvements and ready for the future.”
In April 2026, according to Hunt, MARTA will have both systems up and operational to begin transitioning our customers from the old Breeze system to a better Breeze System and ensure everyone is ready in April when the launch occurs at the end of the month.
“Right now, we’re focused on getting everything installed. The new fare gates in red will be harder to tamper with and damage. They can be checked and adjusted remotely,” he said. “We want to be World Cup ready.”
MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide said they are thrilled to see an important project turn into a reality.
“The modernization of the Breeze System is part of the largest transformation in MARTA history,” she said. “By next Spring, MARTA will have a Veteran Care System as well as a completely redesigned bus network that prioritizes frequency and includes 12 on demand transit zones at first in our region.”
Additionally, MARTA will also have brand new trains on the track with open gateways and an officer on every train. MARTA will be launching a new app and website offering a more unified and user-friendly digital experience.
“MARTA will begin service of the region’s first-class rapid transit line from Summer Hill to Downtown, and while we put the deadline for these projects by the World Cup Series next year, including the veteran system, care benefits, and the overall improvements to the customer experience will last well beyond the World Cup and decades beyond,” she said. “This system is a true game changer for everyday rides, occasional riders, and visitors to our region.”
With the new app and system, patrons will be able to use the open payment option which is a more secure, safe, and enjoyable customer experience.
Here is what customers will enjoy with the Better Breeze system:
· New Equipment: New, contactless fare payment equipment that takes the guesswork out of where to tap. We are replacing faregates and fareboxes, validators, and Breeze vending machines systemwide. The Better Breeze faregates are harder to tamper with or damage. They can be checked and adjusted remotely, reducing incidents of fare evasion, resulting in a safer, more secure transit system and a better experience for everyone.
· New Payment Feature: Open payment where you can tap your bank card, smartphone, or mobile wallet to pay for your ride. Fare stays $2.50 for a one-way trip.
· New App: An updated app which customers will need to download and create a new account where they can buy fare.
· New Cards: New physical cards with a cool design (think orange!) and continued options of multi-day and monthly passes. Information on getting your new Breeze card will be shared in the spring.
Customers should continue using the existing Breeze mobile app, fare media, and equipment.
Access to all rail stations will be kept and there will be a monthlong period in spring 2026 for customers to transition from the current Breeze system to the Better Breeze system.
Information on ongoing fare equipment installation and instructions on how and when to transition to the new fare system will be shared in the coming months and into next spring.