Public transportation systems across the nation are rapidly modernizing their payment infrastructures, a shift that promises greater convenience but often raises concerns among daily commuters about the fate of their pre-paid fare balances. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is embarking on such an upgrade, undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its long-standing Breeze system that involves new faregates, updated ticket machines, and entirely new fare media. This transition introduces a new era of fare payment designed to streamline the rider experience. However, this significant technological leap has prompted a critical question from the public: what will become of the money stored on countless existing Breeze cards once the old system is retired? In a move designed to address these concerns directly, MARTA has outlined a clear plan based on rider feedback, ensuring that no commuter is left behind as the agency embraces a more efficient, modern payment platform for its vast network. This proactive approach aims to build trust and facilitate a smooth transition for all users during the system-wide upgrade.
Navigating the Transition Period
To ensure a seamless shift for its riders, MARTA is implementing a dual-system operational window from March 28 to May 2, 2026. During this five-week period, both the legacy Breeze system and the new “better Breeze” platform will function in tandem, allowing passengers to continue using their existing cards while the new technology is phased in. The upgraded system represents a significant step forward in transit payment convenience, introducing a “tap to pay” feature that enables riders to use a bank card or mobile wallet directly at the faregates, eliminating the need for a separate transit card for many users. This overlap is a critical opportunity for commuters to deplete any remaining funds on their current Breeze cards through regular use. The authority strongly encourages riders to take advantage of this timeframe to use their stored value before the old system is fully decommissioned. This carefully managed transition period is designed to minimize disruption and provide ample time for the public to adapt to the new payment methods available across the transit network.
The Post-Deadline Transfer Process
Following the complete deactivation of the old Breeze system on May 2, 2026, MARTA established a clear and direct process for customers to reclaim their remaining balances. In a decision that directly addressed feedback from the community, particularly from riders who maintained large stored values on their accounts, the authority instituted a balance transfer window. From May 2 through October 30, 2026, customers with a registered current Breeze account were given the ability to move their remaining funds to a new, registered “better Breeze” account. This policy ensured that no rider lost their prepaid fare value due to the mandatory system upgrade. To facilitate this process, MARTA committed to releasing further detailed instructions on the specific steps for initiating a balance transfer in early March, providing customers with all the necessary information well in advance of the final transition. This structured approach provided a safety net for all users and demonstrated a commitment to customer equity during a major technological overhaul.
