Building Better Breeze: MARTA’s Fare System Rollout in Photos

Technology•Photos 13•April 6, 2026

As transit agencies modernize fare collection systems to improve security, efficiency, and the rider experience, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) just completed a major transformation.

Through its "Better Breeze" initiative, developed in partnership with INIT Innovations in Transportation, the agency replaced aging infrastructure with a new, data-driven fare platform designed to support open payments and prepare the system for future growth.

The following gallery offers a behind-the-scenes look at the network-wide construction process, specifically at Lindbergh Center Station, where new fare gates, validators, and ticketing equipment were installed to bring MARTA’s next-generation fare system to life. The new system went live on March 28, 2026.

New better Breeze card on new faregate. — MARTA's fare modernization effort includes installing more than 1,800 fare validators, 500 upgraded fare gates, and a new network of ADA-compliant ticket vending machines across the system. The new system also allows riders to tap contactless bank cards, smartphones, or mobile wallets at validators and fare gates.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt is the first customer to tap to pay at the new better Breeze faregates at Lindbergh Center Station.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

New faregates and ticket vending machines at Lindbergh Center Station across from MARTA headquarters in Atlanta. MARTA’s legacy fare gates had reached the end of their useful life and were becoming vulnerable to fare evasion.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

MARTA Deputy General Manager Rhonda Allen demonstrates how to use the better Breeze touchscreen ticket vending machines to purchase fare.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Construction crews installing glass doors on new faregates at Lindbergh Center Station.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Construction crews installing the first array of better Breeze faregates at Lindbergh Center Station. Transitioning from a hardware-dependent system to a more data-driven platform provides MARTA with improved operational oversight.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

MARTA and INIT leadership gather to celebrate groundbreaking of new better Breeze fare payment system at Lindbergh Center Station. (L to R) MARTA Deputy General Manager Rhonda Allen, MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt, MARTA Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Ide, INIT CEO Carl Commons, MARTA Chief of Staff Steven Parker. — MARTA and INIT leadership gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new, better Breeze fare payment system at Lindbergh Center Station. L to R: MARTA Deputy General Manager Rhonda Allen, MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt, MARTA Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Ide, INIT CEO Carl Commons, MARTA Chief of Staff Steven Parker.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Crews installing construction barriers at Lindbergh Center Station to ensure customer and employee safety as new better Breeze equipment is installed.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Old Breeze faregates are removed at Lindbergh Center station. The new system aims to improve security and prepare the system for large-scale international events.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

A look inside the new better Breeze ticket vending machines during installation at Lindbergh Center Station. — A look inside the new, better Breeze ticket vending machines during installation.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Installation of new better Breeze faregates at Lindbergh Center Station. — Installation of new, better Breeze faregates at Lindbergh Center Station. The new system introduces modern sliding fare gates designed to improve revenue protection and enhance the station environment.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Signs detouring riders from Better Breeze construction. — Wayfinding signs at MARTA's West End Station directing customers around better Breeze construction.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

The final installation of MARTA Better Breeze fare vending machines. — The launch comes at an important moment for the region as Atlanta prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 soccer matches.
Credit:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority