MARTA Upgrades Breeze Fare System for Open-Loop Payments in Atlanta

ATLANTA, USA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will activate its modernized Breeze fare payment system on March 28. The upgrade enables tap-to-pay functionality, allowing riders to use contactless bank cards and mobile wallets directly at new, more secure faregates. The project also includes the installation of new touchscreen ticket vending machines and the rollout of a new Breeze app.

What Are the Technical Specifications?

The core of the upgrade is the transition to an open-loop payment system, accepting EMV-standard contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This is complemented by a full hardware refresh, including new touchscreen ticket vending machines (TVMs) and more secure faregates across all rail stations. The total cost of the upgrade and the primary technology vendor were not disclosed in the announcement.

Key Technical Data

Where Does This Technology Stand in the Market?

MARTA’s upgrade aligns with a North American trend of transit agencies adopting open-loop payment systems to reduce reliance on proprietary fare media, similar to systems in New York (OMNY) and Chicago (Ventra). A contrasting, software-focused model was recently announced by a collaboration between Littlepay, Google, and operator Go-Ahead, which allows prepaid transit passes to be stored and used directly from a digital wallet without requiring a separate transit app (Source: The Fintech Times, 2026). MARTA’s solution involves a more capital-intensive hardware replacement, while the Littlepay model emphasizes digital wallet integration to lower infrastructure costs.

Editor’s Analysis

MARTA’s investment in new faregates and vending machines represents a traditional, hardware-centric approach to modernization. While this strategy directly addresses physical security and accessibility for cash users, it contrasts with emerging software-based solutions that can lower capital expenditure. This move indicates that for large, established rail systems, physical infrastructure upgrades are still seen as a necessary component for improving the complete customer payment experience, even as the broader industry trends towards digital-first ticketing solutions.

FAQ

Q: Can I still use my old Breeze card after March 28?
A: Yes, passengers can use old Breeze cards at existing fare equipment until May 2. However, the old ticket vending machines will be turned off starting on March 28, so reloading old cards will not be possible at stations.

Q: What is the total cost of the Breeze system upgrade?
A: The total project cost and the name of the technology supplier have not been publicly disclosed by MARTA. This information is often released at a later stage of project implementation.

Q: How does this new system impact passengers without bank cards or smartphones?
A: The system will still support physical fare media through the issuance of new Breeze cards. These can be purchased and reloaded with cash or card at the new touchscreen ticket vending machines.