The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will replace its entire fare collection system over the next six months, with a goal of implementing and completing customer transition by spring 2026.

The system will retain the popular Breeze name, but fare media and fare collection equipment, including Breeze cards and tickets, faregates and validators, Breeze vending machines, and the mobile app, will be updated and modernized, along with fareboxes in later project phases.

"It's great to keep fares unchanged for years, but not an entire fare collection system," said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. "MARTA is implementing some incredible projects and initiatives next year ahead of the World Cup, including new trains, a new bus network with on-demand transit zones, a new bus rapid transit line, and a new On the Go app and MARTA website. We need to ensure our Breeze system is aligned with these once-in-a-generation improvements and ready for the future."

MARTA's Contactless Future Takes Shape

MARTA began installing new fare equipment at Lindbergh Center Station on Sept. 22 and at Doraville on Oct. 8. Installation of new contactless payment terminals on buses started in mid-September.

The installation of new equipment will continue systemwide in phases until the customer transition period next April. Access to all rail stations will be maintained, and there will be a month-long period in spring 2026 for customers to transition from the current Breeze system to the Better Breeze system.

Features of the new Better Breeze system include:

• New, contactless fare payment equipment. The agency is replacing faregates, fareboxes, validators, and Breeze vending machines systemwide. The Better Breeze faregates can be monitored and adjusted remotely, reducing fare evasion and resulting in a safer, more secure transit system.

• Open payment where riders can tap their bank card, smartphone, or mobile wallet to pay for their ride. Fare remains $2.50 for a one-way trip.

• An updated app that customers will need to download and create a new account to purchase fares.

• New physical cards and continued options of multi-day and monthly passes.

INIT and MARTA Collab on Fare Collection and Mobile App

INIT Innovations in Transportation, Inc., has already begun construction of MARTA's Better Breeze fare collection system, which includes 1,800 station and onboard payment readers, 275 ADA-compliant ticket vending machines, and over 500 faregates, with nearly half equipped for ADA accessibility.

INIT's back-office fare management system allows for secure, real-time transaction processing and supports transparent revenue sharing.

Riders will also see improvements in the new Breeze app, which will let them purchase and manage fares directly on their smartphones. New account management tools will enable them to stay in control of their balances and trip history, alongside features like contactless payments, mobile ticketing, and reloadable fare cards.