This spring, MARTA will launch several transformative projects that will improve safety and reliability, modernize the customer experience, attract new riders, and provide high-quality transit service for more Metro Atlantans.
A Better Breeze Is Here
MARTA’s transition to the better Breeze fare system is entering its critical final phase, bringing state-of-the-art equipment and tap-to-pay convenience to buses and rail stations.
As installation of new fare equipment continues systemwide, riders should be aware of temporary detours and open faregates. Faregates are being left open to ensure access to the MARTA system and give customers time to switch to a new payment method.
On May 2, faregates will close and all MARTA and regional transit partner customers must use a new orange Breeze card, bank card (all major debit and credit cards accepted), or a mobile wallet linked to a bank card to ride. Cash is still accepted on the bus, but exact change is required, and fare cannot be loaded onto new Breeze cards onboard the bus. There is also a new Breeze Mobile app but is for account management only at this time. A virtual card is coming soon.
New orange Breeze cards may be purchased at new ticket vending machines, MARTA and transit partner Ride Stores, and at breezecard.com.
The old silver Breeze cards and Breeze Mobile 2.0 will not work on the new better Breeze system. Riders can transfer any remaining balance to a new, registered Breeze account May 5 to Oct. 30.
Say Hello to the NextGen Bus Network
On Saturday, April 18, MARTA officially launches its NextGen Bus Network, the most significant redesign of the Metro Atlanta bus system since the 1970s. This generational change will make the system smarter, faster, and better, reflecting how people travel today with more consistent seven-day schedules and significantly fewer transfers. A major highlight of the new network is it has triple the number of high-frequency routes, with 15-minute service now available across 17 corridors all day, not just during rush hour. By optimizing routes, the network expands access to 145,000 jobs and essential destinations like grocery stores and healthcare facilities.
MARTA is encouraging all riders to check how their commute will change. View the final bus route schedules and use the updated MARTA Trip Planner to map out a new journey.
To support the transition, Transit Ambassadors will be at rail station bus loops and high traffic stops throughout April to help riders navigate the new system.
Meanwhile, the MARTA Reach service, which launched in March, continues to provide on-demand transit service in select zones. Reach offers curb-to-curb shared rides in 12 designated zones across MARTA’s service area. Riders can book using the MARTA Reach On-Demand Transit App, website, or by phone at (404) 848-6622 daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reach rides are free until May 2, then fare will be $2.50 per ride.
Phase one of the Rapid A-Line, Atlanta’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) route, will launch on Saturday, April 18, the same day as the NextGen Bus Network. The five-mile Rapid A-Line connects Downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline’s Southside Trail. It also connects to MARTA’s heavy rail system at Five Points, Georgia State, and Garnett Stations.
Rapid A-Line will operate daily 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. to ensure broad accessibility. Customers can ride for free until May 2, then fare will be $2.50 and includes free transfers. Payment will be accepted at the stop platforms, not on the vehicle.
For this initial phase, passengers will ride in new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses featuring distinct Rapid A-Line branding. Where construction is finalized, buses will use dedicated lanes and transit signal priority to bypass standard traffic. In sections still under construction, temporary bus stops are located near the future permanent stations.
Community members are invited to learn more about the new route by visiting the Rapid Response Team at the Halfway Crooks Kölsch Fest on Saturday, April 18. To stay informed on the project’s progress, sign up for newsletters and construction alerts here.
