Better Breeze: The New Fare Payment System for Xpress

What is better Breeze?

Better Breeze is an all-new, modernized fare payment system designed to make riding Xpress and our regional transit partners easier, more flexible, and more secure. Launching on March 28, 2026, better Breeze introduces advanced technology and new features to improve your transit experience. All Xpress services will utilize the better Breeze fare payment system, ensuring a consistent and unified experience for riders.

Key Features of better Breeze

New Breeze Cards

Modern, account-based cards that store fare in your account, not on the card itself.

Open Payment

Tap your debit card, credit card or mobile wallet directly at faregates or fareboxes to pay for one-way rides.

Enhanced Security

Fare stored in the cloud protects your balance even if you lose your card or phone.

New Mobile App

A redesigned app for managing your account, purchasing fare, and accessing your Breeze card virtually.

Regional Integration

Works seamlessly across Xpress, MARTA, CobbLinc, and Ride Gwinnett, for a unified transit experience.

What Makes better Breeze Better?

With better Breeze, you’ll enjoy:

Flexibility: Multiple ways to pay, including debit and credit cards, mobile wallets, Breeze cards, and cash.

Convenience: Manage your fare anytime through the app or website, or purchase in person at vending machines and Ride Stores.

Free Transfers to MARTA: Enjoy seamless and free transfers to MARTA, making your regional travel more affordable and efficient.

Reliability: State-of-the-art fare equipment ensures a smooth and dependable experience.

Security: Registered accounts store your fare in the cloud, protecting your balance even if you lose your card or phone.

How to Pay Using the New better Breeze System

The new better Breeze system offers multiple convenient ways to pay for your transit fare, whether you prefer using a debit card, credit card, mobile wallet, or the new Breeze cards, tickets, and passes. Choose the payment method that works best for you and enjoy a seamless travel experience across the system.

Tap and Go Using Debit or Credit Card

  • Make sure your card is tap-enabled. Look for this symbol:
  • Hold your card over the reader at the faregate or validator
  • Wait for confirmation (green check mark and beep)
  • We accept debit cards and credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover
  • This option is available for one-way rides.

Tap and Go Using Mobile Wallet

  • Link a debit or credit card inside your mobile wallet (Apple pay, Google pay, Samsung pay) on your smartphone or smartwatch
  • With a digital wallet open, hold your device over the reader at the faregate or validator (Apple Express mode is available)
  • Wait for confirmation (green check mark and beep)
  • This option is available for one-way rides.

New Breeze Cards and Tickets

  • Buy items:
    • Online at breezecard.com. You will need to create an account before you can purchase passes. The cost of a Breeze card is $2.
    • In person at ticket vending machines, Regional Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide.
  • This option is available for 1 trip, round trip, 10 trips and 31 days

Cash

Cash is still accepted on the buses for one way rides.

Exact change is required on the bus (does not include transfers). For example, if you insert a $5 bill for a $4 ride, the $1 in change will not be returned or credited to your account.

We encourage you to use exact change or one of the other payment methods available to avoid this scenario.

Create a better Breeze Account in 3 Easy Steps

1.  Get Started: Download the new Breeze app (links are below) or visit breezecard.com

2.  Register Your Account: Sign in or register with your email, enter the security code sent to you, and then provide your personal details.

3.  Set Up and Go: Link your Breeze card to your account, add fare, or purchase a new card online or at a nearby store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of better Breeze

1. What is better Breeze and how is it different from the former Breeze system?

Better Breeze is a modernized fare payment system designed to make riding Xpress and regional transit partners easier, more flexible, and more secure. With Better Breeze, you’ll enjoy:

  • New Breeze Cards: Account-based cards that store fare in the cloud, ensuring your balance is protected even if your card is lost.
  • Open Payment: Tap your debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet directly at faregates or validators for one-way rides.
  • New Mobile App: Manage your account, purchase fare, and access your Breeze card virtually.
  • Regional Integration: Seamless use across Xpress, MARTA, CobbLinc and Ride Gwinnett.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: Multiple ways to pay, including cash, and the ability to manage fare anytime through the app, website, vending machines, or Ride Stores.
  • Reliability and Security: State-of-the-art equipment ensures a dependable experience, while cloud-based accounts protect your balance.

Better Breeze is designed to provide a unified, hassle-free transit experience for all riders.

 

2. Where does better Breeze work?

Better Breeze currently works with MARTA, Xpress, Ride Gwinnett, and CobbLinc.

  

3. What type of Xpress passes are available on the better Breeze system?

  • 1 Trip
  • Round Trip
  • 10 Trips
  • 31 Days

 

4. What determines the cost of my fare?

Xpress routes are classified into two fare zones: Green Zone and Blue Zone. The fare depends on the park-and-ride location the route serves:

  • Green Zone: Routes serving park-and-ride locations closer to Atlanta.
  • Blue Zone: Routes serving park-and-ride locations further away from Atlanta.

Each zone has a different fare price. To determine which zone your route falls into, visit this page and scroll down for a detailed list of park-and-ride locations and their corresponding zones. You can buy passes for 1 trip, round trip, 10 trips and 31 days on both green and blue zone routes.

Transitioning to better Breeze

1. Can I use my current Breeze card on the new better Breeze system?

No. Current Breeze cards are not compatible with the new better Breeze system.

Beginning March 28, 2026, current Breeze card holders can purchase new cards at Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide. The new Breeze cards are account-based and fare is stored in a customer’s account rather than on the card itself.

Current Breeze card holders are encouraged to use up the remaining balance on their account by May 2, when the new better Breeze system will fully replace the existing fare system.

  

2. Can I use the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app on the better Breeze system?

No. The current Breeze Mobile 2.0 app is not compatible with the new Breeze system.

Breeze Mobile app users will need to delete Breeze Mobile 2.0 and download the new Breeze app/go to breezecard.com and create an account.

After May 2, 2026, the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app will not be in use. Therefore, current Breeze Mobile 2.0 app users are encouraged to spend down their existing fare on their account.

  

3. What if I can’t spend all my previously stored fare by May 2, 2026 and want to transfer my balance to the new system?

Xpress, MARTA and all regional transit partners including CobbLinc and Ride Gwinnett will accommodate balance transfers from current registered Breeze accounts to new, registered better Breeze accounts May 2 – Oct. 30, 2026. More details on the balance transfer process will be provided closer to the transition date. Balance transfers after October 30, 2026 will not be available.

  

4. When should employees spend their current balances?
All program participants should begin spending down their current fare balances.

  • Monthly cardholders’ fare will expire on April 30, 2026.
  • Current trip-pass riders have until May 2, 2026, to use their balances.

Employers should pause ordering trip passes for any employee with trip rides that extend beyond May 2, 2026.

Getting Started

1.  How do I open an account?

To open a better Breeze account, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Download the App or Visit the Website:
  1. Sign In or Register:
    • Select Sign In/Register on the app or website.
    • Enter your email address, and you’ll receive an email with a security code.
    • Enter the security code on the app or website to proceed.
  1. Provide Your Personal Information:
    • Fill in your details, including your first and last name, phone number, and any other required information.
    • Hit Submit
  1. Set Up Security Questions:
    • For added security, select two security questions and provide answers. This ensures your account is protected.
  1. Link Your Breeze Card (or Buy One):
    • If you already have a better Breeze card, you can link it to your account at this stage. Linking your card allows you to:
      • Add trips, passes, or cash balance online.
      • View card transactions and activity.
      • Configure autoloads to automatically manage your balance.
    • If you don’t have a better Breeze card yet, you can:
      • Buy a card online: Visit breezecard.com to purchase a card and have it shipped to you.
      • Find a store near you: Use the store locator on the app or website to find a nearby location where you can purchase a card (coming soon).

Once your account is set up and your card is linked, you’ll be able to manage your fare, add value, and enjoy the full benefits of the better Breeze system.

  

2. How do I reset my password?

If you have a Breeze Mobile 2.0 account but can’t remember your password, follow these steps to reset it:

  • On the Login screen, enter your email address and tap Forgot Password.
  • Check your email for a code that will be sent to the address you provided.
  • Enter the code in the app or website.
  • Create and confirm a new password.
  • Click Change Password.
  • Tap Continue to log in and be taken to the home screen.

  

3. How do I transfer my passes when I get a new phone?

There is no need to transfer your passes when switching to a new phone. Your passes are linked to your customer account, not your device. Even if you lose your phone, your account and all associated products remain secure. You can access them anytime through the website or the app by logging into your account.

  

4. I have never used Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay but want to use it for tap and go payment for better Breeze. How do I set it up?

To set up your preferred payment method and use it with better Breeze, follow the instructions below:

Apple Pay

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  3. Select the type of card you want to add (debit or credit).
  4. Enter your card information as prompted.
  5. Once set up, double-click the side button on your phone when you’re ready to use Apple Pay and follow the on-screen instructions.

 

Google Pay

  1. Open the Google Wallet app on your Android device.
    • If you don’t have the app, download it from the Google Play Store.
  2. Tap the + Add to Wallet button.
  3. Select Payment Card and follow the prompts to add your debit or credit card.
  4. Enter your card details manually or use your phone’s camera to scan the card.
  5. Once added, you can use Google Pay by unlocking your phone and holding it near the payment terminal.

 

Samsung Pay

  1. Open the Samsung Wallet app on your Samsung device.
    • If you don’t have the app, download it from the Galaxy Store.
  2. Tap Add Card and choose Credit/Debit Card.
  3. Enter your card details manually or use your phone’s camera to scan the card.
  4. Follow the prompts to verify your card with your bank.
  5. Once set up, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access Samsung Pay and hold your phone near the payment terminal to complete a transaction.

By setting up Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, you can make quick and secure payments with better Breeze.

Payment Options

1. Will there be a fare increase with the better Breeze system?

No. Fares remain unchanged.

The Xpress fare policy will remain the same. For 1 trip, the Xpress Green Zone will remain $3 and the Blue Zone will remain $4 with four free transfers allowed in a three-hour period. Fare will be the same for all partner agencies, including MARTA, CobbLinc and Ride Gwinnett. Each customer needs their own form of payment. Do not “pass back” a Breeze card, bank card, or mobile wallet for others to use. If traveling with children or an individual without their own form of payment, you may purchase fare at any new touchscreen ticket vending machine or tap a different bank card at the faregate or validator than the one you used.

 

2. How do I pay my fare with the new better Breeze system?

Paying your fare is simple and convenient with the Better Breeze system. When you board the bus:

  • Tap to pay using your Better Breeze card, credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet on your smartphone or smartwatch on the validator.
  • The screen will display a green checkmark to confirm your payment was successful.
  • If you’re paying with cash, insert the exact fare into the farebox. Please note that cash payments are only valid for 1 trip and do not include transfers.

If you need more details about payment methods, such as open payment, fare capping, or using cash, refer to the questions below.

 

3. Can I still use cash to pay my fare?

Yes. Cash will still be accepted as fare payment on all Xpress buses but requires exact change and can only be used for 1 trip (does not include transfers). Cash transactions remain available to purchase a Breeze ticket or card at a Breeze vending machine, Ride Store, or Reduced Fare office.

 

4. If I don’t pay with exact cash, can I still upload the change onto my Breeze card?

No. All customers should note that after May 2, 2026, the fareboxes will only accept exact change in cash for 1 trip (does not include transfers). If you put in more than the required amount needed, you will not be able to receive change back or upload the remaining change on a better Breeze card.

To avoid this, we encourage all customers to use the new better Breeze app or website to purchase and manage Breeze cards, or take advantage of the convenient open-payment system.

 

5. What is open payment and how does it work?

Open payment allows customers to use a bank card (debit or credit card) or a mobile wallet on their smart phone or watch to “tap and go” to pay their fare.

Customers can simply tap the bank card or their smart device on the faregate or validator and enter the rail station or board the vehicle. This option only covers 1 way ride. Transfers are allowed using open payment.

Fare capping will still apply when using open payment, but only if you use the same debit/credit card for both trips. See details in question below.

Open payment is ideal for those in a hurry, occasional riders, or visitors from out of town who may not have a Breeze card or account.

 

6. What is fare capping?

Fare capping ensures you never pay more than the cost of a Round-Trip pass in a single day, giving you the lowest price for your Xpress rides. Normally, a one-way ride is more expensive than a Round-Trip pass if you take two trips in a day. For example:

  • A single trip in the Green Zone costs $3, while a Round-Trip pass costs $5. Without fare capping, paying for two single trips would cost $6.
  • For Blue Zone trips, a single trip costs $4, while a Round-Trip pass costs $7. Without fare capping, paying for two single trips would cost $8.

With fare capping, if you take two trips in one day (at least three hours apart) using open payment with the same debit or credit card, the system will automatically upgrade you to a Round-Trip pass. In this example, the system applies a discount to your second trip, ensuring your total fare for the day is capped at $5 for Green Zone trips or $7 for Blue Zone trips.

Important Notes:

  • Fare capping will only apply if both trips are taken within the same zone (e.g., two Green Zone trips or two Blue Zone trips).
  • You must use the exact same form of payment (e.g., the same debit card, credit card or mobile wallet) for both trips for fare capping to apply. If you use two different forms of payment, the system will not apply fare capping, and you will not receive the discount. Even if your bank card and mobile wallet are linked to the same bank account, they are treated as different payment methods by the system. Always use the exact same payment method when transferring.

Example:

Let’s say you take a bus from McDonough to the Atlanta Civic Center in the morning and tap your VISA credit card, paying $3 for a single-trip ride. Later in the evening, you take a return trip from the Civic Center back to McDonough and tap the same card. Instead of charging you another $3, the system recognizes that this is your second trip of the day and only charges $2 for the return trip. This brings your total fare for the day to $5, the same as a Round-Trip pass, saving you $1.

For Blue Zone trips, the same logic applies: if you pay $4 for a one-way trip in the morning and take a return trip in the evening, the system will charge $3 for the second trip, capping your total fare at $7 for the day.

 

7. Better Breeze Card vs. Open Payment: Which is Right for You?

Better Breeze Card

This option is better for you if:

  • You’re a regular rider: The better Breeze card offers cost savings through discounted fare products like 10-trip or 31-day passes, making it the most economical choice for frequent riders.
  • You want flexibility in fare options: With the better Breeze card, you can purchase and store multiple fare types, such as monthly passes or trip passes, to suit your travel needs.
  • You value account management and security: The card allows you to reload fare, manage your account, and protect your balance through the app or website. If your card is lost, your fare is stored in the cloud and can be easily replaced.
  • You need seamless transfers: The better Breeze card works across all regional transit partners, ensuring smooth transfers without additional charges (within the transfer policy).
Open Payment (Debit/Credit Card or Mobile Wallet)

This option is better for you if:

  • You’re an occasional rider or visitor: Open payment is perfect for those who use the system infrequently and don’t want to commit to a pass or manage a separate transit card.
  • You prioritize speed and convenience: With open payment, there’s no need to pre-purchase or load fare—just tap your debit/credit card or mobile wallet and go. This is ideal for riders who are on the go.
  • You prefer using your smartphone or credit/debit card: Open payment eliminates the need to carry a separate transit card, allowing you to use your existing tap-enabled bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch.
  • You’re taking a one-time or short trip: If you’re only riding occasionally or for a single trip, open payment provides a quick and hassle-free option.

  

8. Can I buy passes for family and friends?

Yes! But each customer needs their own form of payment. Do not “pass back” a Breeze card, bank card, or mobile wallet for others to use. If traveling with children or an individual without their own form of payment, you may purchase fare at any new touchscreen ticket vending machine or tap a different bank card at the faregate or validator than the one you used.

 

9. Can I use the better Breeze app as a guest without creating a customer account?

Yes, you can use the app as a guest. However, we highly recommend creating a customer account. This allows you to manage your cards more effectively and enables balance protection, ensuring your funds are secure if your card is lost.

Buying Fare Products

1. Where do I buy better Breeze cards

Customers can purchase better Breeze cards online at breezecard.com or in person at better Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide.

To find an in-person location near you, go to breezecard.com. At the top of the site, select the dropdown for “Get a card” and choose “Where to buy.” Enter your zip code or address to find the nearest store.

 

2. When can I use the new better Breeze faregates and vending machines?

Better Breeze fare equipment is being installed systemwide and is now in use. As of March 28, 2026, Xpress and regional transit partners began transitioning customers from the current Breeze system to the better Breeze system.

Construction and equipment installation are being done in phases to maintain access to all rail stations. Customers entering a rail station through an open entry point must have fare to exit at their destination.

Pay close attention to signage and announcements at rail stations to navigate the ongoing fare equipment installation.

 

3. How do I pay with better Breeze?

  • Pay with a Bank Card
    • Make sure your card is tap-enabled. Look for this symbol:
    • We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover
    • Hold your card over the reader at the faregate or validator
    • Wait for confirmation (green check mark and beep)
    • This option is available for one-way rides
  • Pay with Mobile Wallet
    • Link a bank card inside your mobile wallet (Apple pay, Google pay, Samsung pay) on your smartphone or smartwatch
    • With a digital wallet open, hold your device over the reader at the faregate or validator (Apple Express mode is available)
    • Wait for confirmation (green check mark and beep)
    • This option is available for one-way rides
  • Pay with new Breeze cards and Tickets

    Buy items at:

    • Ticket vending machines.
    • MARTA, regional Ride Stores, reduced fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide
    • Breezecard.com or Apple AppStore or GooglePlay
    • This option is available for passes for  1 trip, round trip, 10 trips and 31 days

 

4. How do I buy a better Breeze card online?

At the top of the site breezecard.com, select the dropdown for “Get a card” and choose “Buy cards online.”

You will see the Standard Card available to add to your cart. If you’d like to add value or passes, you can select the button to add a maximum of $100 in value and choose which transit agency you’d like your pass to be for.

Once purchased, the card will be shipped to you.

 

5. Can I buy and reload my Breeze card in person?

Yes. You can purchase new cards or reload existing cards at Breeze vending machines, Ride Stores, Reduced Fare offices, and pop-up locations systemwide.

However, the easiest and most convenient way for customers to buy and manage their cards is to download the new app or visit breezecard.com.

Using better Breeze with Transit Partners

1. Is the better Breeze system compatible with Xpress regional transit partners?

Yes, the better Breeze system is fully integrated with all regional transit partners, including MARTA, CobbLinc, and Ride Gwinnett. All partners now use the same system, so you experience seamless travel across participating networks. Transfers are free or may have an upcharge depending on the originating agency.

 

2. How do I use better Breeze to transfer between Xpress and another transit system?

Transfers between Xpress and MARTA are free within a three-hour timeframe. If you are riding CobbLinc or Ride Gwinnett, you can transfer to Xpress with an upcharge. However, transfers are not available from Xpress to CobbLinc or Ride Gwinnett.

Transferring Using better Breeze Card:

  • Free transfers only apply between Xpress and MARTA when using your better Breeze card. Simply tap the same Breeze card on the fare payment system to complete your transfer.
  • Transfers to Xpress from CobbLinc or Ride Gwinnett require an upcharge, which will be deducted from the store value if available or the balance will go negative if no store value is available.

Transferring Using Open Payment Options:

  • If you are using a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet, free transfers only apply between Xpress and MARTA. You must use the same payment method when beginning your trip and transferring to avoid being charged an additional fare.
  • Transfers from CobbLinc or Ride Gwinnett to Xpress using open payment will include an upcharge.

 

Important: Even if your bank card and mobile wallet are linked to the same bank account, they are treated as different payment methods by the system. Always use the exact same payment method when transferring.

Institutional Partners

1. Who Are Institutional Partners?

Institutional Partners are organizations, such as employers, research institutions, or agencies, that provide better Breeze cards or passes to their employees or members, which are purchased in bulk. Administrators for these organizations can manage transit passes and assign them to employees through the better Breeze portal, making it easier to support their teams’ commuting needs.

 

2. Are there any additional fare options available for purchase under better Breeze?

No, there are no changes to fare options for Institutional Partners under better Breeze. Institutional Partners will continue to have access to purchase calendar monthly and 10 trip passes.

 

3. How will Institutional Partners receive new cards?

Distribution of new cards will begin in April 2026 and is expected to be complete by May 2, 2026.

 

4. When will the better Breeze portal for institutions be available to test?

Testing for institutions is currently underway.

 

5. How will new cards be assigned to employees?

Administrators will assign new Breeze cards to employees through the new portal.

 

6. Will administrators be able to add fare value to the Breeze card instead of fare type?

No, there is no change to the current fare structure.

 

7. Will Institutional Partners be able to add a specific dollar value to new better Breeze cards each month?

No, there is no change to the current fare structure.

 

8. When an employee is assigned a new card, will the fare be immediately available, or will employees need to wait until the first day of the month?

Yes, fare will be immediately available. However, monthly fare products will begin on the first day of the month.

 

9. Do employees need to activate the new Breeze card by tapping on the system?

No, the card is activated in real-time when it is assigned within the portal.

Troubleshooting and Support

1. What security precautions are in place to protect my personal information?

  • The better Breeze app is fully certified and compliant with Payment Card Industry standards (PCI-DSS).
  • All payment communications are fully encrypted (scrambled).
  • Systems are constantly monitored for security vulnerabilities.
  • Any sensitive data is highly encrypted (converted into a code).

 

2. Does my smartphone’s GPS need to be turned on to use the better Breeze app?

No, your smartphone’s GPS does not need to be enabled to use the better Breeze app.

 

3. Can I get a refund if I lose my device or purchase the wrong ticket?

Refunds are not available online or within the app.

 

If you believe you are entitled to one, please call MARTA’s Customer Service team at 404.848.5000 or the Xpress Customer Service team at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742).

Who to Contact for Additional Help

For help with the better Breeze app, you can call Xpress’ Customer Service at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742) or MARTA’s Customer Service at (404) 848.5000

 

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.