ATLANTA — MARTA plans to offer new ways to purchase rides, one of several efforts to boost fare revenues.
The transit agency recently selected Innovation in Transportation Inc. (INIT) to install an automated fare collection system known as AFC 2.0. The upgrade will allow passengers to pay directly at fare gates with debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallets. New fare gates and other features will be deployed at all 38 rail stations over the next five years.
“First and foremost, this new, state-of-the-art fare collection system will improve service and provide customers with a better overall experience,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood in a news release. “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.”
Payment options will also be expanded for customers who use cash. MARTA is working with retailers to allow customers to purchase tickets or reload Breeze cards in checkout lines at approximately 240 locations across the metro area. A new batch of vending machines at stations will provide exact change in bills instead of coins only.