The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors have contracted Innovation in Transportation Inc. (INIT) to install a new automated fare collection system, known as AFC 2.0.
When competed, MARTA's new fare system will allow multiple methods of payment, including debit and credit cards and mobile wallets directly at the fare gate, without having to use a vending machine.
“First and foremost, this new, state-of-the-art fare collection system will improve service and provide customers with a better overall experience, and from our side, AFC 2.0 will allow us to further optimize our operations and increase farebox recovery. It’s a major win for both MARTA and our riders,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood.“
“This is an exciting day for MARTA,” said MARTA Board Chair Thomas Worthy. “We’re often asked when customers will be able to tap their debit or credit card at the fare gate and they’ll be able to do so with this new system. We’ll also be better positioned to meet the needs of our customers well into the future.”
Eventually, AFC 2.0 will fully replace MARTA’s existing Breeze card and Breeze Mobile systems and will involve the replacement and upgrading of rail station fare gates and bus fareboxes throughout the system. The new automated fare system will be deployed over a five-year period.
The new AFC 2.0 system will provide many benefits to MARTA and its customers, including:
- A more convenient open payments system: Customers will be able to use their debit card, credit card or mobile wallet, as well as a Breeze card, to pay the fare, making the system more intuitive, shorten the fare payment process and reduce wait times at ticket vending machines.
- Upgraded faregates: The new faregates at each of MARTA’s 38 rail stations will be faster and more reliable.
- More user-friendly ticket machines: Rail stations will also have new ticket vending machines that will be more dependable and will provide exact change in bills rather than just coins.
- Modernized bus fare boxes: MARTA’s buses will be outfitted with fare boxes with large digital screens and improved software that will speed up the boarding process.
- An expandable system: The new system will bring in all transit modes, including bus, rail, MARTA Rapid, and the Atlanta Streetcar, which is currently on its own payment system. Regional transit partners can also be integrated quickly into the system.
- A more adaptable system: The AFC 2.0 system is “open-architecture,” allowing a variety of software and apps, such as trip-planning apps, to connect to the MARTA system.
- Improved ability to customize pricing: The system will allow MARTA to be nimble and flexible with pricing, whether it’s for employer programs, senior or student rider discounts or for special events and promotions.
- An expansive retail network: Cash customers will be able to load their Breeze cards at the checkout lines of as many as 240 retail locations. Currently, MARTA’s cash customers must first travel to a rail station or justice center to reload their Breeze cards.
