MARTA

What is better Breeze?

Better Breeze is an all new, more flexible, and more secure fare payment system with contactless payment and advanced technology that makes riding MARTA safer and easier than ever.

The new better Breeze fare payment system features:

Open payment where customers can tap a bank card or mobile wallet directly on faregates or validators to pay their fare.
Reliable, touch screen ticket vending machines.
Modern fare equipment that reduces fare evasion and improves transit system security.
New Breeze cards and a new mobile app with a virtual Breeze card.

Can I use my current Breeze card on the better Breeze system?

No. Current Breeze cards are not compatible with the better Breeze system.

Breeze card holders can purchase new cards at ticket vending machines, Ride Stores, and at www.breezecard.com. The new Breeze cards are account-based and fare 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 better Breeze system.

Breeze Mobile app users will need to delete Breeze Mobile 2.0 and download the new Breeze app, create a new account and register their physical card. The new Breeze app will be used for loading fare and account management. Virtual Breeze cards are available in Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Apple Wallet is coming soon.

What if I can’t spend all my stored fare and want to transfer my balance to the new system?

MARTA will accommodate balance transfers from old Breeze cards and the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app to new Breeze accounts May 5 through October 30. Before beginning the transfer process, customers must have a new, orange Breeze card or new, black Reduced Fare or Mobility card.

Once customers have their new Breeze card, they should follow the steps below to ensure any remaining balance on their old Breeze card or Breeze Mobile 2.0 account is transferred to their new Breeze account.

Go to breezecard.com and select “Sign in” or “Register.”
After signing in, link your NEW Breeze card. You will receive an email notification confirming the linking of the card to your account.
Select “Transfer legacy card balance/passes.”
Enter your old Breeze card number (silver card) or old Breeze Mobile 2.0 account email.
Verify the transfer.

Will there be a fare increase with the better Breeze system?

No. Fares remain unchanged and include four free transfers allowed in a three-hour period.

$2.50 for a one-way trip
$1 for Reduced Fare and streetcar
$4 for Mobility

Each customer needs their own form of payment. Do not “pass back” a Breeze card, bank card, or mobile wallet 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.

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.

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.

Will better Breeze work with regional transit partners (ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, and Ride Gwinnett)?

Yes. MARTA’s regional transit partners are part of Breeze and will transition to the better Breeze system.

To ride, 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.

Will better Breeze work on all MARTA services?

Yes. All MARTA services will utilize the better Breeze fare payment system including rail, bus, the streetcar, MARTA Mobility paratransit service, 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?

Currently certified Reduced Fare and Mobility customers will be mailed new Breeze cards. Customers who have not received their card, should visit the Reduced Fare office at MARTA headquarters. For more information, click here.

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 their bank card or mobile device on the faregate or orange validator and enter the rail station or board the vehicle. Riders must use the exact same payment method when transferring from bus to bus and bus to rail to ensure you are not charged additional fare. Please note that even if your bank card and mobile wallet are linked to the same bank account, the new system will read them as separate forms of payment and charge you additional fare for the transfer.

Open payment is used widely at retailers and restaurants and on many of the world’s largest transit agencies including and will be especially convenient for international visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Will I still receive transfers when using open payment?

Yes. Customers using a bank card or mobile wallet to pay fare still receive four transfers within a three-hour period. Tap the same bank card or mobile wallet at each entry and exit point.

If my Breeze card is next to my bank card when I tap, is it possible both cards will be charged?

It’s rare but it can happen. To ensure you aren’t charged fare on both, keep bank cards or your smart device separate from your physical Breeze card when tapping.

How do I receive a new Breeze card?

Customers may purchase new Breeze cards at ticket vending machines, Ride Stores, and at www.breezecard.com. Virtual Breeze cards are also available in Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Apple Wallet is coming soon. Customers should link their virtual card to the new Breeze Mobile app or breezecard.com to access all MARTA’s fare products.

Can I still use cash to pay my fare?

Yes. Cash is still accepted as fare payment on local bus routes. Cash customers will receive a one-way fare only, with no transfers, and you must have exact change. Value cannot be added to the new orange Breeze card on buses. Cash transactions remain available to purchase a Breeze ticket or card at a ticket vending machine, Ride Store, or Reduced Fare office.

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