It’s finally time, Atlanta. MARTA’s long-awaited and long-discussed Better Breeze payment system officially launches today, and we’ve got all the details to make sure you’re up to date! Keep scrolling to learn all about MARTA’s Better Breeze.
What is Better Breeze?
MARTA’s Better Breeze fare payment system is their new and improved payment system for MARTA transit services. The system begins today, March 28th, 2026.
From Saturday, March 28 to Saturday, May 2, 2026, both the old and new Breeze systems will be active. Here’s what you can do during this time period as a MARTA customer:
- Use old Breeze cards and tickets at any existing old faregates and validators. However, all old ticket vending machines will be turned off, and no fare may be added to old cards.
- Use Breeze Mobile 2.0 at any existing old faregates and validators. Breeze Mobile 2.0 is no longer available for download and fare cannot be added. The new Breeze Mobile app will be available for download on Android and iOS devices starting Saturday, March 28, 2026, and can be used to manage your physical Breeze card and purchase fare.
- Purchase new Breeze cards or tickets at new ticket vending machines.
- Tap to pay using a bank card (all major credit and debit cards accepted) at any new faregate or orange bus validator. Note that some new faregates will remain open to ensure access to rail stations but customers should tap if possible.
- Tap to pay using a mobile wallet at any new faregate or orange bus validator. You must have a bank card connected to your mobile wallet. Again, note that some new faregates will remain open to ensure access to rail stations but customers should still tap if possible.
- Pay with cash on local bus routes (exact change required) or use cash to purchase a new Breeze card or ticket at any Ride Store or new ticket vending machine.
Why is MARTA making changes to the Breeze card system?
In short, MARTA wants a more secure, easier-to-use payment system that helps all Atlantans (and visitors) to be able to use MARTA with ease.
MARTA General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt, says,
If you’ve ever done an improvement project, you know it can be messy and inconvenient, but short-term pain is often necessary for long-term gain. We are asking our valued customers to bear with us as installation of the better Breeze system continues, pay attention to signs and announcements to enter and exit rail stations, and use this transition period to get a new Breeze card or plan to use tap to pay with your bank card or mobile wallet to ride by May 2nd.
When do I need to switch over to the new Better Breeze system?
Now! Basically, customers will have until May 2, 2026, to get familiar with the new system and switch to the payment option that works best for them.
For customers unable to spend down old Breeze balances before switching to better Breeze, balance transfers to a new, registered Breeze account will be accommodated May 5 – Oct. 30, 2026.
You can learn more about the Better Breeze system going into effect today on MARTA’s website, here!