That trusty old blue MARTA card you’ve had in your wallet for years? It’s about time to say bye-bye.
The blue Breeze Cards, which could be compromised and exposed to fraudulent activity, are being replaced with silver cards that have a more secure chip.
Fraud involving Breeze Cards was evident in 2013, when computer hackers illegally added fare to cards and sold them for a profit.
The silver cards have been in circulation since January 2016, and will soon replace the blue cards completely.
Blue cards can't be reloaded after March 31, and can't be used at all after July 9; any value not transferred to a new card will be lost after that date. Check your MARTA Breeze card's balance here.
Aside from a different color scheme, the silver cards have a similar design. The new cards also show partner logos, including CobbLinc (formerly Cobb County Transit), Gwinnett County Transit and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. The silver cards will work at these partner facilities, according to a spokesman.
The new cards cost $2 plus the selected fare and will be valid for three years after the purchase date, according to the website.
Riders who use reduced fare, mobility fare or employer/school-issued cards will be contacted about available times and places to receive a complimentary new card. Those complimentary cards will be orange and include the user's photo.
MARTA customer service can be reached at 404-848-5000 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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