A practical guide for Atlanta riders as MARTA rolls out its biggest fare upgrade in decades.
Stock image: Deposit Photos
You may have heard that MARTA is making some big changes, but you may not fully understand how these changes will affect you.
This guide will answer some of your questions and help you to navigate the transition.
What’s happening with MARTA in 2026?
MARTA is officially transitioning to its new Better Breeze payment system — an overhaul designed to make payments more secure, and get the bus and rail system ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup crowds.
The shift affects every rider, whether you tap a Breeze card or use the app to pay with your phone; and whether you use MARTA occasionally to get to events or use the transit system to commute on a daily basis.
Expect construction, open gates, and a mix of old and new equipment through early May.
This upgrade may feel messy in the short term, but it’s a major step toward a more modern MARTA experience.
What is Better Breeze?
Better Breeze is MARTA’s first major fare system upgrade in decades. It replaces all fare equipment — including gates, vending machines, and bus validators.
It also introduces new cards, a new app, and a NEW tap‑to‑pay option that we haven’t had here in Atlanta before.
MARTA calls it a “future‑proof” system built for speed, security, and flexibility.
And it’s rolling out now at stations across the rail network.
When is Better Breeze rolling out?
Here are key dates to know.
Transition period: March 28 to May 2, 2026
Both old and new Breeze systems will operate during this window.
During this transitional time, you’ll see a mix of old and new gates, temporary entrances, and construction zones. It would be good for you to pay down any balances on your old card or the old app, and start to get familiar with the new system.
The old system is completely retired: May 2, 2026
On this date, old Breeze cards and the current Breeze Mobile 2.0 app will stop working.
The old vending machines will be turned off and you won’t be able to use them to load new fare.
Balance transfer window: May 5 to Oct. 30, 2026
If you still have money on an old Breeze card or the old app, you can transfer it to a new account.
The details on how you will do this have not yet been released by MARTA — so stay tuned.
How will I pay to ride under Better Breeze?
The Better Breeze system introduces multiple ways to pay, and will be more convenient. You don’t have to rely on a Breeze card anymore.
1. Tap your credit or debit card.
It’s that simple — just tap your physical bank card at the rail station fare gate or bus validator to pay a single ride fare.
All major cards are accepted.
2. Tap your phone or smartwatch to pay with your digital wallet.
If you use a digital wallet, just open it up and tap your phone at the fare gate or bus validator, the same way you use it at stores.
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay will all work.
3. Use the NEW Breeze mobile app.
The new app launched on March 28th, and you can download it to your phone now.
NOTE that you have to create a new account on the new app — you can NOT log in with your credentials from the old app. You’ll also have to add your payment method to the new app.
You can NOT add value to the old app after March 28th, although you can continue to spend down your balance through the transition period.
4. Buy the New Orange Breeze Card.
It will be available at all stations and new touchscreen vending machines during the transition period.
These cards replace the old blue Breeze cards.
What’s actually changing at MARTA stations?
Here’s what to expect when you get to a rail station.
New sliding fare gates
• More secure and harder to tamper with.
• Designed to reduce fare evasion and speed up entry.
Touchscreen vending machines
• Faster, more reliable, and they give change.
• A major upgrade from the old mechanical buttons.
Open gates during construction
• You may see fare gates propped open temporarily while the new equipment is being installed.
• MARTA is doing this to keep riders moving while the old and new systems overlap — but you are still expected to pay for your ride.
What about MARTA buses?
Buses are being outfitted with new validators that accept:
• Tap‑to‑pay bank cards
• Digital wallets
• New Orange Breeze cards
The new payment options are designed for convenience and flexibility.
What if I have a reduced fare card now?
If you have a reduced fare card as a senior citizen, mobility customer, or other fare program, you’ll receive your new card in the mail, according to MARTA.
Most people will not need to stand in line at MARTA headquarters to replace their card.
Why is MARTA making these changes now?
MARTA is finally modernizing a system that hasn’t seen a major upgrade since the Breeze system first launched.
In other cities, riders have had the tap-to-pay option for quite some time now.
MARTA is also timing this upgrade to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Atlanta will see massive transit demand — similar to when we hosted the Olympic summer games in 1996. If you remember, new stations and rail lines were added in preparation for that.
What if I need help?
MARTA is deploying Transit Ambassadors across the system to help riders navigate the new gates, vending machines, and app.
But before you get to a rail station, you can prepare for the new experience:
• Start switching to the new orange Breeze card or tap‑to‑pay now.
• Download the new Breeze app, available starting March 28th.
• Use up any old Breeze balance before May 2 — or plan to transfer it later.
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