FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2017
MARTA Moves to New, More Secure Breeze Cards
Customers Encouraged to Upgrade to Silver Breeze Cards by March 31
ATLANTA—The
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is
encouraging customers to upgrade to the new silver Breeze cards before the end
of March. The cards offer a new look and added security to combat fraud and
abuse.
“Although we first introduced our new cards in January of last
year, we still have a number of customers who continue to use the blue Breeze
cards,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker. “We want to encourage everyone to
upgrade to the silver Breeze card to help ensure a smooth transition.”
The silver Breeze cards are $2 and are available at the MARTA
RideStores located at the Airport and Five Points stations. Cards also can be
purchased www.breezecard.com or at the Breeze vending machines located at all
38 rail stations. Customers can transfer existing balances to the newly
purchased cards. After March 31,
customers will no longer be able to reload trips or balances on the blue Breeze
cards. MARTA customers registering new cards before July 9, will be able to
transfer their unexpired balances. After that date, all balances will be
forfeited and the blue Breeze cards officially will be phased out of operation.
“We are pleased to offer this heightened technology that reflects
current industry standards,” MARTA Chief Information Officer Ming Hsi said. “A
more secure card decreases the likelihood of fraud or other abuse that can be
detrimental to our customers.”
The silver Breeze cards will be compatible with the other local
and regional transit systems including CobbLinc, the Georgia Regional Transit
Authority (GRTA), Gwinnett County Transit (GCT) and the Atlanta Streetcar.
AT A GLANCE
March 31 – Last day MARTA customers can re-load blue Breeze cards
July 9 – Silver Breeze cards go into effect; the blue Breeze cards are no
longer valid
MARTA Customer Service (404-848-5000) is available Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and customers can check here for more details. Reduced Fare and Mobility customers who
need to upgrade to the gold Breeze cards can call 404-848-5112.
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Contact:
Erik Burton
eburton@itsmarta.com