The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) new “Better Breeze” fare payment system went live Saturday, March 28, 2026, and features flexible payment options, modern, touchscreen ticket vending machines, and more secure faregates.
The new system, developed in partnership with INIT Innovations in Transportation, will have tap-to-pay, allowing customers to tap a bank card or mobile wallet directly at the faregate or validator to pay for their ride, bringing it in line with a payment system used worldwide.
The Better Breeze system also features new Breeze cards and a new app. On launch day, customers will be able to purchase a new Breeze card, download the Breeze app to manage their card, and use the tap-to-pay feature to pay with a bank card or mobile wallet. Coming soon, virtual transit cards can also be stored directly on smartphones for tap-and-go payment with a phone or smartwatch.
From March 28 to May 2, 2026, both the old and new Breeze systems will be active to “allow customers time to learn the new system and switch to the payment option that works best for them.” During the customer transition, according to MARTA, riders can still use their old Breeze cards and the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app at any existing old fare equipment, but old ticket vending machines will be turned off, and no fare may be added to old fare media.
“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,” said MARTA General Manager/CEO Jonathan Hunt.
The launch comes at an important moment for the region as Atlanta prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the upcoming international soccer matches. For travelers arriving for the games at the Atlanta Stadium, the ability to tap a bank card or mobile wallet just as they would in other major world cities makes public transit a natural and convenient choice.
MARTA Fare Policy Remains the Same
The agency’s fare remains $2.50 one-way with four free transfers allowed in a three-hour period. However, each customer needs their own payment method.
According to an agency release, MARTA discourages “passing back” a Breeze card or bank card for others to use. “If traveling with children or an individual without their own form of payment, you may purchase fare at any new touchscreen ticket vending machine,” the agency wrote. Multiple cards may now be purchased in one transaction at ticket vending machines.
Cash is still accepted on local buses, at ticket vending machines, and at Ride Stores. Customers will not be able to load cash value onto a Breeze card on board a bus for the time being.
“Please note that even if your bank card and mobile wallet are linked to the same bank account, they are treated as different payment methods by the system,” the agency clarified. This ensures riders use the same payment method when transferring between buses and between buses and rail, preventing additional fare charges.
While the new fare payment system is set to launch later this month, MARTA’s phased construction approach may include both old and new faregates, temporary entrances and exits, and varying fare equipment during the customer transition period.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published March 17, 2026, and was updated March 30, 2026, for continued relevancy on the launch of MARTA's Better Breeze fare payment system.
