MARTA launches Better Breeze fare payments March 28, bringing tap-to-pay and replacing current Breeze media
A systemwide transition begins March 28, with the current Breeze system set to end May 2
MARTA is scheduled to activate its upgraded fare payment platform, known as Better Breeze, on March 28, beginning a transition that will change how most riders pay for rail and bus trips across metro Atlanta. MARTA has set a customer transition window from March 28 through May 2, 2026, when both the current Breeze system and the new Better Breeze system are expected to operate in parallel.
After May 2, 2026, riders are expected to use new fare options tied to Better Breeze to access MARTA services, including rail and bus. MARTA has advised customers to continue using existing Breeze cards and the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app until the transition period begins, and to follow station and vehicle signage during the overlap as equipment is replaced and reconfigured.
What changes for riders: new cards, a new app, and open payments
The Better Breeze rollout introduces open payment, allowing riders to tap a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet on a phone or smartwatch, at compatible readers to pay a fare. MARTA is also introducing new physical Breeze cards and a new mobile app designed to work with the updated system, including the option to use a virtual card within the app.
MARTA has said new Breeze cards and pass products are scheduled to be available starting March 28 through channels that include station vending machines and MARTA customer service locations. Riders can expect a period where some fare gates or validators are dedicated to either the legacy system or the new system, depending on the station and the phase of installation.
Key dates and what riders should do now
March 28, 2026: Better Breeze customer transition begins; both systems operate during the transition period.
May 2, 2026: The current Breeze fare media and Breeze Mobile 2.0 app are scheduled to stop working on the systemwide fare network.
May 2 through Oct. 30, 2026: MARTA has indicated a window for registered customers to move remaining balances from the legacy system to the new system.
MARTA has also emphasized registration and account management as a factor in protecting stored value and enabling post-transition balance actions. Riders with stored value are being encouraged to plan ahead by checking balances, identifying whether their fare media is registered, and deciding whether to spend down remaining funds during the overlap period or pursue any available transfer options within the stated timeframe.
Reduced-fare and Mobility riders are part of the initial wave
MARTA has indicated that reduced-fare and MARTA Mobility customers are included in the March 28 transition start, with new fare media options intended to be available to those groups as the system comes online.
During the March 28–May 2 transition period, MARTA expects riders to see a mix of legacy and new fare equipment in stations and on vehicles.
Connection to other 2026 service changes
The fare-system launch also aligns with other MARTA initiatives planned for 2026, including the rollout of MARTA Reach, the agency’s on-demand service, which is scheduled to begin charging fares when Better Breeze goes live on March 28.
MARTA has said it will continue publishing rider instructions as the transition approaches, including guidance on where and how to obtain new fare media, how to use open payments, and how to navigate stations as equipment is swapped and activated.