Exploring Atlanta's Bus Payment Options: A Guide

Atlanta's public transportation system, overseen by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), offers a combination of rail and bus services. The standard fare for a single trip on a MARTA bus or train is $2.50, with discounted fares available for certain groups. There are several ways to pay for a bus ride in Atlanta, including purchasing a Breeze Card, using cash, or through the Token Transit mobile payment app. The Breeze Card is a smart card that allows users to load, store, and redeem various fare products and transfer between transit systems. It can be purchased at vending machines in MARTA train stations, RideStores, or online. For those without a Breeze Card, cash payments of exact change are accepted on some buses. Additionally, the Token Transit mobile app offers payment options for select routes.

Paying with cash

If you're paying with cash, you can pay $2.50 for a single bus ride with no transfers. You can pay with either dollars or coins. However, if you don't have a Breeze Card, you will need exact change. If you're transferring from a train station, the transfer is free.

If you're short on cash, you can reload your Breeze Card as you enter the bus. First, tap your card to attempt to use it, even if you know it doesn't have enough funds. Then, put your cash in the fare box. Tap your card again to put those funds on it. Finally, tap a third time to debit the funds for your ride.

If you're paying with cash, it's recommended that you're trying Xpress for the first time or that you're an occasional rider. Cash is not recommended if you need to transfer to or from MARTA, don't have exact change, or want a multi-trip discount.

Using a Breeze Card

The Breeze Card is a stored-value smart card used as part of an automated fare collection system for Atlanta's public transit system, MARTA. The card costs $2 and can be purchased online, at vending machines inside MARTA train stations, or at the Peach Pass/Xpress Retail Center. You can also buy a card from a Breeze vending machine (BVM) located at all MARTA stations.

Once you have your card, you can add value or time-based passes at a BVM or on a bus (cash only). The BVMs also allow you to check your card balance and pay for parking at certain stations. They accept credit cards and cash.

When you're ready to ride the bus, simply place your Breeze Card on or near the Breeze Target at the fare gate, and the cost of your ride will be automatically debited from your card. The card can be used for MARTA Bus and Rapid Rail, CobbLinc service in Cobb County, Ride Gwinnett in Gwinnett County, and GRTA Express bus services.

The Breeze Card is a convenient and easy way to pay for your bus fare in Atlanta, so be sure to get one if you plan on using public transportation during your visit.

Buying a multi-day pass

Atlanta's public transportation system, MARTA, offers multi-day passes that can be purchased to ride the bus. These passes provide an economical option if you plan to take multiple trips around the city. The passes are available for 1, 2, 4, 7, or 30 days and offer a discount on the regular fare, with the longer-duration passes providing greater savings.

For example, with the 1-day pass costing $9, you would need to take at least 4 trips in a day to make it worth your while. Similarly, the 2-day pass for $14 is a good option if you plan to take at least 6 trips over 2 days. If you're staying in Atlanta for a week, the 7-day pass for $23.75 is a great value, as you only need to make 10 trips over 7 days to save money.

The 30-day pass, priced at $72, is ideal for longer stays or if you plan to use the bus extensively during your visit. This option provides a significant discount compared to paying for individual trips.

You can purchase these multi-day passes by buying a Breeze Card, which is the regional transit fare card for Atlanta. The Breeze Card can be obtained from vending machines inside any MARTA train station, at RideStores, or online through BreezeCard.com (though online purchases may take about a week for delivery). The card itself costs $2, and you can load cash value or specific multi-trip passes onto it. Remember that each traveller needs their own Breeze Card.

Discounted fares

Atlanta's public transportation system, MARTA, offers discounted fares for certain riders. Seniors and people with disabilities can purchase a $1 fare for the bus or train, a significant reduction from the standard $2.50 single trip fare. In addition, two children under 46 inches tall may ride for free with each paying adult.

MARTA also offers multi-trip and multi-day passes that provide discounts for frequent riders. The 20-trip ticket, for example, costs $42.50, which is a discount of 37.5 cents on the regular fare, or 20 trips for the price of 17. For those planning to use MARTA for multiple days, the 7-day pass ($23.75) can be a good option, as it only requires 10 trips over 7 days to be more economical than individual trips.

For those looking to transfer to or from MARTA, the Breeze Card is a good option. It allows for free transfers between Xpress and MARTA and can be used to load and store different types of fare products. With the Breeze Card, you can have up to four separate fare products at the same time, and the correct fare will automatically be used when tapping the card on the bus. Additionally, you can add stored cash value to the card, which will deduct the fare price. The Breeze Card can be purchased at vending machines inside MARTA train stations, RideStores, or online (with a delivery time of about a week).

It's important to note that some reduced fare products can only be purchased in person at the Five Points RideStore or MARTA headquarters.

Paying with the Token Transit app

The Token Transit app is available on iOS and Android devices and allows you to buy passes and ride public transit using your phone. The app is accepted in over 150 cities across the United States and Canada, including Atlanta, Georgia.

To use the Token Transit app, first, select your preferred fare type, which can be anything from a single ride to a monthly pass. When you are ready to board the bus, activate your ticket by tapping it on your phone. As you get on the bus, show the driver your digital ticket by scanning it or displaying it on your phone screen.

The Token Transit app offers convenience and ease of use, allowing you to pay with your credit, debit, or commuter benefits card. You can also send a pass to a phone by purchasing it online and transferring it directly to a mobile phone. The app also provides rider support to assist you with any issues or queries you may have.

It's important to note that while the Token Transit app is widely accepted, it may not be compatible with all transit networks in Atlanta. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of available transit agencies on the Token Transit website or app before relying solely on this payment method during your travels in Atlanta.

Frequently asked questions