MARTA Begins Better Breeze Upgrade, Warns Riders To Expect Mixed Fare Gear Through May 2

ATLANTA — MARTA will launch its new “better Breeze” fare payment system Saturday, March 28, starting a five-week transition period in which riders will see a mix of old and new fare equipment, ongoing installation work and, at some stations, temporary entrances and exits.

The agency said customers will have until May 2 to familiarize themselves with the updated system and switch to the payment option that works best for them. MARTA General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt compared the rollout to a home improvement project, urging customers to watch for signs and announcements and to be patient as installation continues.

During the March 28–May 2 transition, the old and new Breeze systems will both be active. Riders can continue using old Breeze cards and tickets at existing old faregates and validators, though MARTA said old ticket vending machines will be turned off and riders will no longer be able to add fare to old cards. MARTA said some old faregates will be left open to ensure access to stations, but riders should still tap when possible.

Breeze Mobile 2.0 will continue to work at old faregates and validators during the transition, but it is no longer available for download, and users cannot add fare. MARTA said a new Breeze Mobile app will be available for download on Android and iOS starting Saturday, allowing riders to manage physical Breeze cards and purchase fare.

Customers will be able to buy new Breeze cards or tickets at new ticket vending machines and at Ride Stores serving MARTA, ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas and Ride Gwinnett. MARTA also said new Breeze cards will be account-based, with fare stored in an online account rather than on the card, and can be managed through the updated website.

Riders can also tap to pay with major credit or debit cards or with a mobile wallet at new faregates and orange bus validators. Cash will still be accepted on local buses with exact change.

MARTA said reduced-fare and Mobility customers may continue using stored fare on old cards at old equipment, with new cards available through reduced-fare offices and by mail. For riders unable to use up old balances, MARTA said it will accommodate balance transfers May 5 through Oct. 30, with additional instructions to be provided.