en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 25th, The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) plans to launch its modernized Breeze fare payment system on March 28. This upgrade aims to implement open payment functionality, allowing passengers to pay directly using contactless bank cards and mobile wallets at new fare gates. The project also involves installing touch-screen ticket vending machines and releasing a new version of the Breeze app to enhance the overall ticketing experience. 
The core of the upgrade is a shift to an open payment system, supporting EMV-compliant contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. On the hardware side, all subway stations will be equipped with new touch-screen ticket vending machines and more secure fare gates. The announcement did not disclose the total cost of the upgrade or the main technology vendors. The system is named the Breeze Fare Payment System (2.0), with a launch date of March 28. The full transition is expected to be completed by May 2, and the location is Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
MARTA's upgrade reflects a trend among North American transit agencies to adopt open payment systems to reduce reliance on proprietary ticketing, similar to systems like New York's OMNY and Chicago's Ventra. In contrast, Littlepay, Google, and operator Go-Ahead recently announced a software-focused model that allows prepaid transit cards to be stored and used directly from digital wallets without a separate app. MARTA's approach focuses on hardware replacement, while the Littlepay model emphasizes digital wallet integration to lower infrastructure costs.
MARTA's investment in fare gates and ticket vending machines exemplifies a hardware-centric modernization approach, directly addressing physical security and accessibility issues for cash users. This contrasts with emerging software-based solutions, which may reduce capital expenditure. For large rail systems, physical infrastructure upgrades are still seen as a crucial part of improving customer payment experiences, despite the industry trend towards digital-first ticketing solutions.
Passengers can continue using old Breeze cards until May 2, but old ticket vending machines will be deactivated starting March 28, making it impossible to add value to old cards. MARTA has not publicly disclosed the total upgrade cost or vendor information, which is expected to be released later. The new system will still support physical Breeze cards, which can be purchased and reloaded with cash or bank cards at the touch-screen ticket vending machines, ensuring convenience for passengers without bank cards or smartphones.
