The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors announced it has awarded the contract for the installation of a new automated fare collection system (AFC 2.0) to Innovation in Transportation Inc., or INIT.
MARTA has renewed its focus on Service, Experience, and Expansion, or SEE, and customers will see how user-friendly the new fare system is, allowing multiple methods of payment, including debit and credit cards and mobile wallets directly at the fare gate without having to use a vending machine.
“First and foremost, this new, state-of-the-art fare collection system will improve service and provide customers with a better overall experience,” said MARTA GM/CEO Collie Greenwood. “And from our side, AFC 2.0 will allow us to further optimize our operations and increase farebox recovery. It’s a major win for both MARTA and our riders.”
MARTA's New Fare System
Eventually, AFC 2.0 will fully replace MARTA’s existing Breeze card and Breeze Mobile systems and will involve the replacement and upgrading of rail station fare gates and bus fareboxes throughout the system. The new automated fare system will be deployed over the next five years.
The new AFC 2.0 system will provide many benefits to MARTA and its customers, including:
A more convenient open payments system: Customers will be able to use their debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet, as well as a Breeze card, to pay the fare.
Upgraded faregates: The new faregates at each of MARTA’s 38 rail stations will be faster and more reliable.
More user-friendly ticket machines: Rail stations will also have new ticket vending machines that will be more dependable and will do things like provide exact change in bills rather than just coins.
Modernized bus fare boxes: MARTA’s buses will be outfitted with fare boxes with large digital screens and improved software that will speed up the boarding process.
An expandable system: The new system will bring in all transit modes, including bus, rail, MARTA Rapid, and the Atlanta Streetcar, which is currently on its own payment system. And regional transit partners can also be integrated quickly into the system.
A more adaptable system: The AFC 2.0 system is “open-architecture,” allowing a variety of software and apps, such as trip-planning apps, to connect to the MARTA system.
Improved ability to customize pricing: The system will allow MARTA to be nimble and flexible with pricing, whether it’s for employer programs, senior or student rider discounts, or for special events and promotions.
An expansive retail network: Cash customers will be able to load their Breeze cards at the checkout lines of as many as 240 retail locations. Currently, MARTA’s cash customers must first travel to a rail station or justice center to reload their Breeze cards.
