FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2026
NEW YEAR, NEW MARTA!
MARTA Launches Transformational Systemwide
Upgrades in 2026 to Improve Safety, Service Reliability, and Customer
Experience
ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit
Authority (MARTA) will welcome a new era of transit in 2026, with a slate of
major capital projects and service enhancements scheduled for completion and
implementation. These projects will improve safety and reliability, modernize
the customer experience and attract new riders, and ensure MARTA reflects the
world-class region it serves.
“This year is one of the
most consequential and exciting in our history,” said MARTA Interim General
Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. “As we work to go from a good transit system to
a great one, we are advancing an unprecedented number of high-impact projects
that respond directly to customer feedback. Whether you are a daily commuter,
special events rider, or a visitor arriving for the World Cup, you will
experience a safer, cleaner, and more reliable MARTA beginning in 2026.”
MARTA is targeting
spring/summer 2026 for implementation of the following projects:
- New Railcars: MARTA
is transitioning from its legacy fleet to the new CQ400 railcars, the most
technologically advanced trains in the country. The new trains provide a
safer, smoother ride, have open gangways with front- and center-facing
seats, and technological upgrades including charging stations and
real-time service information. Four train sets are undergoing testing, and
multiple train sets will be in service by the 2026 FIFA World Cup this
summer.
- Better Breeze: A
new, contactless fare payment system is currently being installed
systemwide. The better Breeze system has a new payment feature that allows
customers to tap a bank card or mobile wallet at the faregate or farebox
to ride and new faregates that can be monitored and adjusted remotely,
reducing incidents of fare evasion, resulting in a more secure transit
system. The customer transition period runs from March 28 – May 2,
2026.
- NextGen Bus Network: MARTA will launch its new bus network on April
18, 2026. The new network will offer 15-minute service frequency to three
times as many metro Atlanta residents. Alongside the NextGen Bus Network,
MARTA Reach will launch on March 7, 2026, to provide on-demand transit to
customers within 12 defined zones throughout MARTA’s footprint.
- MARTA Rapid A-Line: The region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line
will connect Downtown Atlanta to Summerhill and the Atlanta Beltline’s
Southside Trail, providing fast, reliable service in dedicated lanes with
off-board payment and level boarding at front and rear doors.
- Station Rehabilitation: As part of an ongoing $1 billion systemwide
Station Rehabilitation Program, Five Points Station will have safer,
cleaner platforms by spring 2026. The renovations, including new lighting,
flooring, and ceilings will be completed prior to the World Cup. The
street-level Five Points Transformation Project that includes the removal
and replacement of the station canopy is ongoing. The station will remain
open, safe, and welcoming during the World Cup.
- World Cup Readiness: MARTA
has developed a comprehensive plan focused on providing safe, clean,
reliable, and sustained operations throughout the month-long period of
World Cup matches and events. MARTA is prioritizing visible improvements
to cleanliness, lighting, and wayfinding, supported by multilingual
messaging and enhanced service to accommodate heightened and diverse
ridership. Throughout the tournament, an increased presence of police
officers, transit ambassadors, and safety teams will be deployed to ensure
a safe and welcoming experience for soccer fans from around the
globe.
In addition to these
infrastructure and service improvements, MARTA will also begin to overhaul its
digital tools in 2026 to make the customer experience more intuitive.
New rider tools designed to streamline trip planning and
provide real-time tracking for buses and trains will be incorporated into
itsmarta.com. Riders can also look forward to a newly updated mobile app. This
unified platform will consolidate features from the current MARTA On the Go and
See & Say apps, providing a single, seamless destination for
trip tracking and safety reporting.
Customers should take
note of signs and announcements systemwide and online, follow news on social
media and traditional media outlets, and stay connected to MARTA apps to remain
up to date on project implementation and customer transition periods.
Important Dates:
NextGen
Bus Network
- MARTA Reach on-demand
transit in 12 zones launches March 7, 2026.
- New bus network launches
April 18, 2026.
- See your new bus route here.
Better
Breeze
- Equipment installation
ongoing.
- Customer transition
period runs March 28 – May 2, 2026.
- Both the old and new Breeze systems will be
active during this time to allow customers to spend down any remaining fare and
transition to a new physical Breeze card, an account-based virtual Breeze card
via a new app or familiarize themselves with open payment before the old system
is turned off.
- See installation
schedule and new Breeze system features here.
Stay connected to MARTA:
Website
MARTA
apps
Customer Service –
404-848-5000
@MARTAservice and
@MARTAtransit on social media
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