FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2025
A BETTER BREEZE IS COMING! MARTA TO MODERNIZE
ENTIRE FARE COLLECTION SYSTEM
New Fare Equipment Testing Underway at Lindbergh
Center, Doraville Stations
ATLANTA – 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 retain 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.
“It’s great to keep
fares unchanged for years, but not an entire fare collection system,” said
MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. “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. We need to
ensure our Breeze system is aligned with these once-in-a-generation
improvements and ready for the future.”
MARTA began installing
new fare equipment at Lindbergh Center Station Sept. 22 and at Doraville Oct.
8. The installation of new contactless payment terminals on buses began in
mid-September. The installation of new equipment will continue systemwide in phases
until the customer transition period next April. Customers should pay attention
to signs and announcements at rail stations denoting which faregates are closed
for construction to ensure smooth travels. Note that this is a systemwide
project and the phased construction approach will mean new faregates may be
installed but not yet usable. Current Breeze cards and mobile app will not work
on the new fare equipment.
Customers should
continue using the existing Breeze mobile app, fare media and equipment. Access
to all rail stations will be maintained and there will be a monthlong period in
spring 2026 for customers to transition from the current Breeze system to the
Better Breeze system.
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 monitored 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,
smart phone, or mobile wallet to pay for your ride. Fare remains $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 purchase 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.
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.
REDUCED FARE &
MOBILITY CUSTOMERS: Eligible customers will
have the option of getting a new card OR downloading the new mobile
app. Visit a Reduced Fare office, email reducedfare@itsmarta.com or call 404-848-5112.
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: MARTA’s institutional partners should email partnerprograms@itsmarta.com.
REGIONAL PARTNERS: CobbLinc, Ride Gwinnett, and ATL transit
agencies will transition to the Better Breeze fare collection system. Customers
will receive more information from their transit provider in the coming months.
Did you know? MARTA began as a bus-only system in 1971
with a 15-cent fare that gradually rose to $2.50 where it has remained for 14
years. Customers transitioned from tokens to the Breeze card system in 2006,
and while the color and design of the card have changed since, the Breeze name
remains. As smart phones and apps became more ubiquitous in the 2010’s, Breeze
Mobile and then Breeze Mobile 2.0 emerged. MARTA offers a reduced fare of $1
for eligible customers and MARTA Mobility paratransit services are $4
roundtrip.
Attached
photos:
- Better
Breeze faregates and ticket vending machines at Lindbergh Center Station
southeast entrance.
- Better
Breeze card
- Leadership
from MARTA and INIT, the Better Breeze system developer and installer (L
to R: Rhonda Allen, MARTA Deputy General Manager; Jonathan Hunt,
MARTA Interim General Manager & CEO; Jennifer Ide, Chair, MARTA Board
of Directors; Carl Commons, INIT CEO; Steven Parker, MARTA Chief of
Staff).