Now is the time to get a free Breeze Card. MARTA will soon eliminate the use of tokens and TransCards and Breeze will be the only way to pay. MARTA will soon add a 50-cent surcharge to the purchase of Breeze tickets, making the Breeze Card the easiest option and best bargain for customers.

Free Breeze Cards will be available only for a limited time, and MARTA is offering a number of ways to get one. Cards can be ordered online at www.breezecard.com or by picking up a form from an in-station customer service representative or at any MARTA RideStore.

MARTA's Breeze Bus is visiting various rail stations to distribute cards and provide information on how to use all its convenient features. The card can be loaded with up to $100 in stored value, multiple trips or monthly, weekly and weekend passes. Customers can also register the card for balance protection so that the value on the card can be recovered if it is ever lost or stolen.

For more information on the Breeze program, visit www.breezecard.com or call customer information at 404-848-5000.

Upcoming Breeze Bus Station Visits (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

The credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service has upgraded MARTA's sales tax revenue bond rating to a Aa3 based on the Authority's stable financial outlook and sound management practices. The upgraded bond rating will help to reduce MARTA's future interest rate payments and save the Authority millions of dollars in its long range capital plan.

The new rating, in conjunction with MARTA's recently upgraded rating from Standard & Poor's to AA+, is significant validation of MARTA's solid credit and strong financial footing. Moody's cited MARTA's management and Board of Directors for stabilizing and improving its finances through conservative budgeting and cost containment measures. MARTA's sales tax receipts in FY 2006 grew 8.9%% over FY 2005 levels, enabling the Authority to bolster its operating reserves to approximately $90 million.

MARTA has issued bonds in three trust indentures. Credit rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's assign a rating to each of the Authority's bond issues based on an evaluation of credit worthiness. MARTA's bond rating was upgraded last year to a AA+ for the first indenture and AA for the second and third by the credit rating agency Standard & Poor's.

MARTA's number one priority is protecting customer safety, and the Authority is very proud to have a full service police department that ensures customers safely reach their destinations each day.

Over the past five years, MARTA's police department has reduced serious crime incidents by 40 percent and has established one of the lowest crime rates among transit agencies of similar size.

MARTA has achieved these results with its effective crime fighting program, M*PACT. Based on the New York Transit Police's successful COMPSTAT program, law enforcement efforts are targeted using crime statistics and historical trends. Thanks to the M*PACT program, the Department continues to reduce MARTA's crime rate year after year and is on track for an even lower rate in FY07.

MARTA is proud to operate a highly trained police force and is one of only three transit police agencies in the nation to receive accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The Department also meets state certification by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and is audited annually by the GBI to approve its processes, policies and procedures.

Everyone must work together to protect the safety of the transit system, and MARTA also relies on our customers input and assistance. Customers are encouraged to be safety conscious when riding the system and immediately report any suspicious persons or activities to the MARTA Police. MARTA police actively patrol the system 24 hours a day and are always on call to help any customer who needs assistance. MARTA's emergency phones are always manned (404/848-4911 or #MPD from a Verizon, Cingular or Nextel cellular phone).

MARTA recently joined Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall for a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil two newly installed bus shelters at Palmer House and Roosevelt House senior high rises. The shelters were installed as part of MARTA's Bus Stop Improvement program to enhance safety and comfort for customers with new shelters and benches throughout the service area.

MARTA actively works with local governments and the community to identify where these amenities are needed. Thanks to input and assistance from Councilman Kwanza Hall, Commissioner Nancy Boxill and the residents of Palmer House and Roosevelt House, customers in this service area now have additional seating and protection from the elements.

The Bus Stop Improvement program covers the purchase and installation of equipment and establishes a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule. To learn more about the program or request a shelter or bench at a stop, call MARTA Customer Service at 404-848-5000.