A modernized, easier way to access MARTA transit is officially en route and on schedule, according to agency officials. 

MARTA on Monday began the process of replacing all Breeze vending machines, faregates, and fareboxes across the full transit network, starting with select stations dotted across Atlanta and just beyond city limits.  

The Better Breeze fare-collection system will provide the tap-and-go option that many MARTA patrons have long asked for. That means contactless, more intuitive infrastructure will be in place that allows customers to make payments by tapping a bank card, smart phone, or mobile wallet to pay for rides, once they’ve downloaded a new app. 

The new system will also include different physical cards—with “a cool design (think orange!),” per a MARTA announcement Monday—with options for multi-day and monthly passes continuing. (Note: Those won’t be available until the spring.) 

Better Breeze installation underway at MARTA's Doraville station. Courtesy of MARTA

All fares will remain $2.50 for one-way trips. MARTA officials stress that, for the time being, customers should continue using existing Breeze mobile apps, equipment, and fare media. But those won’t work on new faregates and ticketing machines, once they go live.   

MARTA station customer detours to allow for Better Breeze installation began this week at Dunwoody, East Point, Lindbergh, Ashby, and Georgia State stations. Equipment installs and construction is being rolled out in phases. 

Transit officials say the new system (including modernized bus payments) will be fully implemented in spring next year, in time for what’s expected to be massive 2026 FIFA World Cup crowds. 

A “customer transition period” is scheduled for April, per MARTA.   

MARTA says the Better Breeze faregates have several advantages. They’re designed to be more difficult to tamper with or damage and “can be monitored and adjusted remotely, reducing incidents of fare evasion, resulting in a safer, more secure transit system and a better experience for everyone,” according to this week’s update. 

Functioning example of MARTA Better Breeze faregates and ticket vending machines. (Note: These are not yet open to MARTA customers.) Courtesy of MARTA

MARTA’s paratransit and services from its regional partners—CobbLinc, Ride Gwinnett, and ATL transit agencies—will also be transitioning to the Better Breeze fare-collection system. Expect more information in coming months. 

This week, MARTA issued the following construction schedule for the installation of faregates and ticket vending machines, along with advice for navigating the changes: 

This past Monday – Construction began at Dunwoody station

Upper concourse faregates have closed. Use emergency gates for access. Customers must have fare to exit at destination.

…

Today - East Point station

South faregates close. Use north entrance. Plan additional travel time.

… 

Wednesday, Nov. 5 – Lindbergh Center station

Northwest faregates close. Use northeast faregates across from MARTA headquarters.

…

Thursday, Nov. 6 – Ashby station

East faregates close. Use West faregates.

… 

Monday, Nov. 10 – Georgia State station

All faregates under construction. Third floor access will close. Use emergency gates on ground floor to access station. Customers must have fare to exit at destination, according to MARTA. 

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