By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 2, 2026
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is beginning 2026 with a promise riders have been waiting to hear for years: long-planned improvements are finally reaching the system, and many now come with firm timelines.
In a New Year’s Day announcement, MARTA outlined a series of rail, bus, fare, and station upgrades scheduled for rollout through spring and summer 2026. The projects are designed to improve safety and service reliability, modernize the rider experience, and prepare the system for increased demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (MARTA)
MARTA officials say the focus is not just on visitors arriving for global events, but on everyday riders who depend on transit for work, school, and daily life.
“This year is one of the most consequential and exciting in our history,” said Jonathan Hunt, MARTA’s interim general manager and CEO. He described 2026 as a turning point driven by “an unprecedented number of high-impact projects” shaped directly by customer feedback. (MARTA)
Below is what riders should know—and when they should expect to feel the most significant changes.
New railcars begin systemwide transition
MARTA is transitioning from its legacy rail fleet to new CQ400 railcars, which feature open gangways, front- and center-facing seating, charging stations, and real-time service information displays. The new trains are designed to improve safety, accessibility, and capacity during peak travel periods. (MARTA)
Four train sets are currently undergoing testing, with multiple sets expected to enter regular service before the World Cup begins in summer 2026. (MARTA)
Better Breeze introduces tap-to-pay fares
MARTA’s new contactless fare system, Better Breeze, is being installed systemwide. The system allows riders to tap a bank card or mobile wallet at faregates and fareboxes, while new remotely monitored faregates are expected to reduce fare evasion and improve station security. (MARTA)
The customer transition period will run from March 28 through May 2, 2026. During that window, both the old and new Breeze systems will operate simultaneously, allowing riders to use remaining balances and transition to new fare options without disruption. (MARTA)
NextGen Bus Network and MARTA Reach launch this spring
MARTA will roll out its redesigned NextGen Bus Network on April 18, 2026. The updated network is expected to deliver 15-minute service frequency to three times as many metro Atlanta residents as before. (MARTA)
Ahead of the full bus redesign, MARTA Reach, an on-demand transit service, will launch on March 7, 2026. Reach will provide shared rides within 12 defined zones across MARTA’s service area, improving first- and last-mile access for riders. (MARTA)
Rapid A-Line brings Atlanta’s first BRT service
MARTA’s Rapid A-Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit route, will connect Downtown Atlanta to Summerhill and the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail. The line will operate in dedicated lanes with off-board fare payment and level boarding at multiple doors, enabling faster, more reliable trips. (MARTA)
Five Points Station upgrades continue
As part of MARTA’s $1 billion Station Rehabilitation Program, platform improvements at Five Points Station—including new lighting, flooring, and ceilings—are scheduled for completion by spring 2026. (MARTA)
The broader Five Points Transformation Project, which includes removal and replacement of the station canopy at street level, remains underway. MARTA officials say the station will remain open, safe, and accessible throughout construction, including during the World Cup. (MARTA)
Preparing for World Cup crowds—and beyond
MARTA has developed a comprehensive World Cup readiness plan centered on cleanliness, lighting, wayfinding, multilingual signage, and enhanced service. During the tournament, increased deployments of police officers, transit ambassadors, and safety teams are planned to support both visitors and daily riders. (MARTA)
Digital tools get an overhaul
In addition to physical upgrades, MARTA will refresh its digital tools in 2026. New trip-planning and real-time tracking features will be integrated into itsmarta.com, alongside a redesigned mobile app that consolidates functions currently split between MARTA On the Go and See & Say. (MARTA)
For riders, the question now is simple: will these long-promised changes show up consistently on platforms, buses, and trains?
MARTA says 2026 is the year those answers move from press releases to daily experience.