MARTA Prepares for World Cup with Tap-and-Go Payment System

New faregates open at stations as transit system transitions to contactless fare payment.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping, airbrushed gradients and towering perspectives of MARTA's modern station architecture, conceptually representing the transit system's technological transformation.MARTA's ambitious infrastructure upgrades aim to create a seamless, high-tech transit experience for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.Atlanta Today

MARTA is undergoing a major system-wide upgrade to its fare payment system, transitioning to a tap-and-go system that will make it easier for travelers and handle large crowds during events like the upcoming World Cup. While some stations have the new fare gates installed, others still have the old equipment, so MARTA is leaving faregates open to ensure access during the transition period.

Why it matters

The new tap-and-go payment system will streamline the fare payment process for MARTA riders, eliminating the need to purchase Breeze cards and stand in line at ticket machines. This is especially important as MARTA prepares to handle the influx of travelers during the 2026 World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events to come to Atlanta.

The details

MARTA is currently working to install the new fare gates across all 38 stations, with some stations already having the new equipment while others still have the old system. To ensure access during this transition period, MARTA is leaving the faregates open, though they are encouraging riders to tap their payment method if possible. The new system will allow riders to simply tap to pay without having to purchase a separate Breeze card.

  • MARTA will close the faregates on May 2, 2026.
  • Most but not all stations are expected to be fully switched over to the new system by the start of the 2026 World Cup.

The players

MARTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, the public transportation system serving the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Nevin Grinnell

MARTA Assistant General Manager, overseeing the transition to the new tap-and-go fare payment system.

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What they’re saying

“We will be ready for World Cup.”

— Nevin Grinnell, MARTA Assistant General Manager

“Some of our stations have the new gates, some of them have the old gates, and we're still working through that. So right now, our gates are open.”

— Nevin Grinnell, MARTA Assistant General Manager

What’s next

MARTA will close the faregates on May 2, 2026, with most but not all stations expected to be fully switched over to the new tap-and-go system by the start of the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

MARTA's transition to a tap-and-go fare payment system will streamline the rider experience, especially as the transit system prepares to handle the influx of travelers during the 2026 World Cup. The new system eliminates the need for separate fare cards, making it easier for both regular commuters and visitors to access MARTA's services.