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MARTA Set To Transform In 2026 With The ‘Most Technologically Advanced Trains In The Country,’ The Region’s First-Ever Rapid A-Line, New Breeze Cards, & More — Here’s What You Need To Know

Big changes are coming to Atlanta's public transit system, MARTA, in the new year. Here's what you need to know!

Susan Swavely Susan Swavely - Staff Writer •
CQ400 train sitting on the tracks
Courtesy of MARTA
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2026 is already off to a stellar start, with a massive lineup of updates for The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, commonly known as MARTA. With everything from a better Breeze system to new railcars, MARTA is really leaning into the phrase “New Year, New Me!”

Keep scrolling to see all the exciting updates, implementations, and advances coming to MARTA this year!

What can MARTA-riders expect in the new year?

MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt says,
This year is one of the most consequential and exciting in our history. 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.
Here’s what to expect:

1. New Railcars

This year, MARTA is set to transition from its legacy fleet to the new CQ400 railcars, the most technologically advanced trains in the country. These new trains will provide a safer, smoother ride, have open gangways with front- and center-facing seats. The new trains will also have 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.

2. Better Breeze

new subway card system
Courtesy of MARTA
A new, contactless fare payment system is coming in 2026! 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.

3. NextGen Bus Network

blue bus with paths on it
Courtesy of MARTA
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.

4. MARTA Rapid A-Line

huge MARTA bus with rapid transit written on it
Courtesy of MARTA
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.

5. Station Rehabilitation

As part of an ongoing $1 billion systemwide Station Rehabilitation Program, Five Points Station, Atlanta’s connection point, will have safer, cleaner platforms by spring 2026.
The renovations include:
  • new lighting
  • new flooring
  • new ceilings

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.

6. World Cup Readiness

Mercedes Benz Stadium with the FIFA World Cup
Shutterstock

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.

When will these updates be ready to go?

MARTA is targeting spring/summer 2026 for implementation of all of the above projects. (Ahead of the FIFA World Cup.)

The Better Breeze customer transition period will be March 28 – May 2, 2026.

So if you’ve been hoping for a better MARTA for the ATL… you’re in luck! 2026 is our year, y’all. Stay up to date by following Secret Atlanta for all the latest on MARTA!

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