MARTA's New "Better Breeze" Fare System is Almost Here: What Riders Need to Know
03/05/2026
A simpler way to ride MARTA is coming to Midtown. Later this month, MARTA will launch Better Breeze, the new fare system designed to make transit easier and more flexible.
What's Changing?
Riders will soon be able to simply tap a credit/debit card or use the mobile wallet feature on a smart phone or watch at a rail station faregate or bus validator. No Breeze card required. So whether you ride every day or just occasionally, getting around Midtown and across Atlanta will soon be more convenient than ever. And the prices to ride remain unchanged. For complete details, head over to our dedicated landing page about MARTA program changes.
Five Things to Know:
The switch to the Better Breeze system begins on March 28 and will last through May 2, when both the legacy and new Breeze systems will operate during an overlap period. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know:
1. If you currently receive your multi-day or monthly passes transit pass via your employer, you'll get a new Breeze card that has a fresh orange design. The new Breeze cards are account based, and fare is stored in a customer’s account rather than on the card.
2. Your current Breeze cards and the mobile app will no longer work after May 2. All MARTA customers will need to transition to the new fare media, new Breeze app, or use the open payment feature to ride after May 2.
3. If you have a stored balance on your current Breeze card, MARTA wants you to spend it down now. Remaining balances may be transferred from a current registered account to a new, registered Breeze account from May 2 through October 30, 2026.
4. Breeze Mobile app users will need to delete Breeze Mobile 2.0 and download the new app and create an account. The Better Breeze system will also launch on Xpress, Ride Gwinnett, and CobbLinc on March 28 and will accommodate transfers across operators.
5. MARTA will phase out current Breeze fare products in March. Below are the last dates you can purchase current fare products on the old Breeze system:
- 30-day passes: March 1
- 20- and 10-trip passes: March 15
- 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 7-day passes: March 22
- 1 and 2 trip passes: March 28
Ride a different transit operator?
See their order deadlines here.
Find More Info in MARTA’s FAQs or Contact Us
Our Midtown Transportation team created a new dedicated section on our website with more details on MARTA programs and updates. And if you need more guidance, reach out to our team anytime at MT@MidtownATL.com.