MARTA launched its Better Breeze fare payment system, and riders have a five-week transition period through May 2 to get familiar with the changes.
During the transition, both old and new Breeze systems will be active. Old Breeze cards still work at existing faregates, but old ticket vending machines have been turned off and no new fare can be added to old cards. Old faregates will be left open to ensure access, but riders should still tap if possible.
The new system supports tap-to-pay with bank cards and mobile wallets, a major upgrade from the proprietary Breeze card system. Riders can also get new Breeze cards at station kiosks.
"If you've ever done an improvement project, you know it can be messy and inconvenient, but short-term pain is often necessary for long-term gain," said MARTA CEO Jonathan Hunt. "Pay attention to signs and announcements to enter and exit rail stations."
The overhaul brings MARTA in line with transit systems in other major cities that have adopted open-loop contactless payment.
