If you’re a frequent MARTA rider and you have money on your Breeze Card… it’s time to start spending it down! MARTA’s Better Breeze fare system will introduce new cards… and your balance doesn’t carry over. Keep scrolling to learn more.
What is Better Breeze?
Last year, MARTA announced massive updates to their transit system: A Better Breeze. Some of the updates include:
- New Equipment: New, contactless fare payment equipment for easier access. MARTA is currently working to replace faregates and fareboxes, validators, and Breeze vending machines systemwide.
- New Payment Feature: Open payment where you can tap your bank card, smart phone, or mobile wallet to pay for your ride.
- New App: Breeze Mobile 2.0 is going away. Customers will need to download a new app and purchase a virtual Breeze card to purchase fare.
- New Cards: New physical cards with a cool design (think orange!) and continued options of multi-day and monthly passes.
Will my current balance on my Breeze Card carry over?
No. It is very important that MARTA riders know that their current MARTA system balances will NOT carry over to the new payment options.
MARTA says, in a statement,
Customers should continue using the existing Breeze mobile app, Breeze cards, and fare equipment until the customer transition period from March 28 to May 2, 2026. Customers should start spending down fare balances now. Current fare balances DO NOT carry over to new fare media, and customers will lose any fare they do not use by May 2, 2026.
So spend up all of your Breeze balance before the end of spring, Atlanta.
How do I get a Better Breeze card?
Beginning March 28, 2026, Breeze card holders can purchase new cards at Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide. The new Breeze cards are account based and fare is stored in a customer’s account rather than on the card.
A Better Breeze is coming, Atlanta!