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Tag: Jonathan Hunt

  • MARTA launches systemwide upgrades in 2026

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    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) welcomes 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.

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    Isaiah Singleton

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  • MARTA kicks off installation of new modern fare payment system

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    MARTA Interim GM/CEO Jonathan Hunt (above) said his main goals as interim general manager are to increase ridership and improve the customer experience. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

    The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will replace its entire fare collection system over the next six months, with a goal of spring 2026 for implementation and customer transition.

    The system will keep the popular Breeze name, but fare media and fare collection equipment, including Breeze cards and tickets, faregates and validators, Breeze vending machines, and the mobile app, will be updated and modernized, along with fareboxes in later project phases.

    MARTA Interim GM/CEO Jonathan Hunt said, as he mentioned before, his main goals as interim general manager are to increase ridership and improve the customer experience.

    “The way to do that is by delivering safe, clean, and reliable service through routine excellence every day,” he said. “I want to continue beating the drum to ensure customers, partners, and stakeholders know MARTA is committed to these goals and committed to a customer-centered focus. The Better Breeze equipment marks a crucial step towards those goals.”

    Hunt says the next generation of modern Breeze fare collection systems is easier, more flexible, and a more secure way to pay for service.

    “It is a complete modernization of our entire system and fare gates and validators,” he said. “We have new ticketing vending machines, a new app, and newly designed Breeze cards. The state of technology has changed, and our customers have changed, and MARTA needs to meet our customers where they are.”

    The system will keep the popular Breeze name, but fare media and fare collection equipment, including Breeze cards and tickets, faregates and validators, Breeze vending machines, and the mobile app, will be updated and modernized, along with fareboxes in later project phases. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

    Between now and April 2026, Hunt says MARTA will continue the installation of hardware and software for the new system. Their first installation took place at Lindbergh MARTA Station, where MARTA officials displayed a preview of what the new system would look like. Currently, they are working on installation at the Doraville MARTA Station.

    “The construction schedule has been developed to keep access to MARTA riders with the current Breeze system while installing the new one. You will see new equipment at rail stations in the coming months, but it won’t be ready for use yet,” he said. “You will still use your current Breeze card until we do the rollout in April 2026.”

    Hunt says it’s great to keep fares unchanged for years, but not an entire fare collection system.

    “MARTA is implementing some incredible projects and initiatives next year ahead of the World Cup, including new trains, a new bus network with on-demand transit zones, a new bus rapid transit line, and a new On the Go app and MARTA website,” he said. “We need to ensure our Breeze system is aligned with these once-in-a-generation improvements and ready for the future.”

    Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

    In April 2026, according to Hunt, MARTA will have both systems up and operational to begin transitioning our customers from the old Breeze system to a better Breeze System and ensure everyone is ready in April when the launch occurs at the end of the month.

    “Right now, we’re focused on getting everything installed. The new fare gates in red will be harder to tamper with and damage. They can be checked and adjusted remotely,” he said. “We want to be World Cup ready.”

    MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide said they are thrilled to see an important project turn into a reality.

    “The modernization of the Breeze System is part of the largest transformation in MARTA history,” she said. “By next Spring, MARTA will have a Veteran Care System as well as a completely redesigned bus network that prioritizes frequency and includes 12 on demand transit zones at first in our region.”

    Additionally, MARTA will also have brand new trains on the track with open gateways and an officer on every train. MARTA will be launching a new app and website offering a more unified and user-friendly digital experience.

    “MARTA will begin service of the region’s first-class rapid transit line from Summer Hill to Downtown, and while we put the deadline for these projects by the World Cup Series next year, including the veteran system, care benefits, and the overall improvements to the customer experience will last well beyond the World Cup and decades beyond,” she said. “This system is a true game changer for everyday rides, occasional riders, and visitors to our region.”

    With the new app and system, patrons will be able to use the open payment option which is a more secure, safe, and enjoyable customer experience.

    Here is what customers will enjoy with the Better Breeze system:

    ·      New Equipment: New, contactless fare payment equipment that takes the guesswork out of where to tap. We are replacing faregates and fareboxes, validators, and Breeze vending machines systemwide. The Better Breeze faregates are harder to tamper with or damage. They can be checked and adjusted remotely, reducing incidents of fare evasion, resulting in a safer, more secure transit system and a better experience for everyone.

    ·      New Payment Feature: Open payment where you can tap your bank card, smartphone, or mobile wallet to pay for your ride. Fare stays $2.50 for a one-way trip.

    ·      New App: An updated app which customers will need to download and create a new account where they can buy fare.

    ·      New Cards: New physical cards with a cool design (think orange!) and continued options of multi-day and monthly passes. Information on getting your new Breeze card will be shared in the spring.

    Customers should continue using the existing Breeze mobile app, fare media, and equipment. 

    Access to all rail stations will be kept and there will be a monthlong period in spring 2026 for customers to transition from the current Breeze system to the Better Breeze system.

    Information on ongoing fare equipment installation and instructions on how and when to transition to the new fare system will be shared in the coming months and into next spring. 

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    Isaiah Singleton

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