The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) welcomes a new era of transit in 2026, with a slate of significant capital projects and service enhancements scheduled for completion and implementation. Photo courtesy of MARTA The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) welc omes a new era of transit in 2026, with a slate of significant capital projects and service enhancements scheduled for completion and implementation. These projects will improve safety and reliability, modernize the customer experience, attract new riders, and ensure MARTA reflects the world-class region it serves. MARTA Interim General Manager and CEP Jonathan Hunt said this year is one of the most consequential and exciting in our history. “As we work to go from a good transit system to a great one, we are advancing an unprecedented number of high-impact projects that respond directly to customer feedback,” he said in a statement to the press. “Whether you are a daily commuter, dedicated events rider, or a visitor arriving for the World Cup, you will experience a safer, cleaner, and more reliable MARTA beginning in 2026.” MARTA is targeting spring/summer 2026 for implementation of the following projects: ·      New Railcars: MARTA is transitioning from its legacy fleet to the new CQ400 railcars, the most technologically advanced trains in the country. The new trains provide a safer, smoother ride, have open gangways with front- and center-facing seats, and technological upgrades including charging stations and real-time service information. Four train sets are undergoing testing, and multiple train sets will be in service by the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. ·      Better Breeze: A new, contactless fare payment system is currently being installed systemwide. The better Breeze system has a new payment feature that allows customers to tap a bank card or mobile wallet at the faregate or farebox to ride, and new faregates that can be watched and adjusted remotely, reducing incidents of fare evasion, resulting in a more secure transit system. The customer transition period runs from March 28 to May 2, 2026.  ·      NextGen Bus Network: MARTA will launch its new bus network on April 18, 2026. The new network will offer 15-minute service frequency to three times as many metro Atlanta residents. Alongside the NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will launch on March 7, 2026, to provide on-demand transit to customers within 12 defined zones throughout MARTA’s footprint. ·      MARTA Rapid A-Line: The region’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line will connect Downtown Atlanta to Summerhill and the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail, providing fast, reliable service in dedicated lanes with off-board payment and level boarding at front and rear doors. ·      Station Rehabilitation: As part of an ongoing $1 billion systemwide Station Rehabilitation Program, Five Points Station will have safer, cleaner platforms by spring 2026. The renovations, including new lighting, flooring, and ceilings, will be completed prior to the World Cup. The street-level Five Points Transformation Project, which includes the removal and replacement of the station canopy, is ongoing. The station will remain open, safe, and welcoming during the World Cup. World Cup Readiness: MARTA has developed a comprehensive plan focused on providing safe, clean, reliable, and sustained operations throughout the month-long period of World Cup matches and events. MARTA is prioritizing visible improvements to cleanliness, lighting, and wayfinding, supported by multilingual messaging and enhanced service to accommodate heightened and diverse ridership. Throughout the tournament, an increased presence of police officers, transit ambassadors, and safety teams will be deployed to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for soccer fans from around the globe.  In addition to these infrastructure and service improvements, MARTA will also begin to overhaul its digital tools in 2026 to make the customer experience more intuitive. New rider tools designed to streamline trip planning and provide real-time tracking for buses and trains will be incorporated into itsmarta.com. Riders can also look forward to a newly updated mobile app. This unified platform will combine features from the current MARTA On the Go and See Say apps, providing a single, seamless destination for trip tracking and safety reporting. Customers should take note of signs and announcements systemwide and online, follow news on social media and traditional media outlets, and stay connected to MARTA apps to remain up to date on project implementation and customer transition periods. Important Dates: NextGen Bus Network ·       MARTA Reach on-demand transit in 12 zones launches March 7, 2026. ·       New bus network launches April 18, 2026. ·       See your new bus route here.  Better Breeze ·       Equipment installation ongoing. ·       Customer transition period runs March 28 – May 2, 2026. Both the old and new Breeze systems will be active during this time to allow customers to spend down any remaining fare and transition to a new physical Breeze card, an account-based virtual Breeze card via a new app or familiarize themselves with open payment before the old system is turned off.  ·       See installation schedule and new Breeze system features here. The post MARTA launches systemwide upgrades in 2026 appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less