Perimeter Commuters Get Even More Modern Transit with MARTA’s Better Breeze, NextGen Bus Network
MARTA is getting an upgrade in 2026: tap-to-pay, new faregates, a new Breeze app, new railcars, and updated bus routes are all rolling out this year. These updates will connect riders to more local destinations, reduce bus trip times, and make MARTA stations more secure.
For details and advice on using the new MARTA system, visit our Ready to Ride page. There, we’ll get you up to speed on the new transit options and send you a free 10-trip MARTA pass to try them for free (while supplies last). If your commute is getting more complicated, reach out to the Perimeter Connects team for expert help. Read on to learn about all the changes, when they’re coming, and what it all means for Perimeter commuters.
March 28: Better Breeze System Launches
MARTA’s Breeze cards and fare gates are switching over to the new, more secure Better Breeze system starting on March 28. With the Better Breeze system live, you’ll be able to pay your fare with:
- Tap-to-pay via your bank card or mobile wallet at faregates
- Touchscreen Breeze vending machines where you can get a new Better Breeze card
- A new, updated Breeze mobile app
Current Breeze cards are not compatible with the new system and will not transfer funds. Make sure to spend any fare on your current card before May 2, when the existing fare system will be shut off. If you have fare stored in a Breeze Mobile 2.0 account, you’ll need to transfer the total to a new Better Breeze account to use it. You’ll be able to transfer money from the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app from May 2 until October 30, 2026. To ride MARTA after May 2, purchase a new Better Breeze card at a MARTA station, use the new Breeze app, or use tap-to-pay with your bank card or mobile wallet.
Better Breeze fare gates and touchscreen vending machines are being installed in phases at all stations throughout 2026. These new, more secure fare gates and vending machines will create a smoother rider experience and help reduce fare evasion at MARTA stations. Along with the new fare system, a new Breeze app will be available for download to track buses, manage your Breeze card fare, and more.
April 18: NextGen Bus Routes Start Running
MARTA’s reworked all their bus routes to provide better regional coverage with their NextGen Bus Network. Starting on April 18, almost all buses will run a new route, at a new frequency, or be replaced with a more efficient option.
The new bus network will reduce the number of transfers and trip times for many riders. No more peak-only services: every bus will now run seven days a week, with higher frequencies during mid-day hours and on weekends. Across 17 corridors in the Atlanta area, buses will run every 15 minutes, making your trip through town a snap.
This overhaul improves access to jobs—nearly 145,000 jobs are now accessible by bus with frequencies of 30 minutes or less—and grocery stores, allowing more MARTA riders to rely on the bus for their daily trips.
Summer 2026: CQ400 Train Cars Hit the Track
Cox Enterprises and State Farm demonstrate how employer-led commuter programs create lasting benefits for employees, businesses, and the broader community. By offering flexible, sustainable, and cost-saving transportation solutions, both organizations help reduce congestion, support cleaner air, and improve quality of life acroThe long-awaited overhaul of MARTA trains is beginning soon! This summer, the first set of CQ400 rail cars will be partially deployed on MARTA train lines. These brand-new train cars will feature open gangways and free wireless chargers for riders’ use. View the new trains and learn about all their features on MARTA’s website or in this article.
Are You Ready to Ride the New MARTA?
All the changes may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Visit Perimeter Connects’ Ready to Ride page for a full breakdown of what Perimeter routes are getting updates, what the changes will be, and what it means for Perimeter commutes.
To get you Ready to Ride, we’re also sending out free 10-trip passes to try the new network (while our supplies last). Get your free MARTA pass by filling out our form on the Ready to Ride page. If your commute is changing and you’re not sure how to navigate it, reach out to the Perimeter Connects team for one-on-one support—we can find the best new route for you and provide tools to help you plan your way to work.
