Join the over 400,000 customers who already have their Breeze card and order a free one today! Free Breeze cards will be available through June 30th, and you can get one by calling 404-848-5000, visiting www.breezecard.com or by picking up a form at all 38 rail stations or any RideStore.

With your Breeze Card, you can also participate in a sweepstakes to win free rides. Every time you tap your Breeze card to pay a fare, you are entered to win. The sweepstakes ends June 1st, so be sure to start using your Breeze card today to have a chance to win a 7-day pass, 30-day pass or the grand prize of free rides for one year!

There is no purchase necessary to enter or win — see official rules for free entry method available at any RideStore or breezecard.com.

MARTA customers who receive a pass through their employer or school will be issued a Breeze Card through those programs, and do not need to order or purchase a Breeze Card at this time.

MARTA's Board of Directors voted to approve the Authority's FY08 Capital and Operating Budget during their regular monthly meeting held, May 14, 2007. The budget includes $383.2 in projected operating expenditures and $483.2 million in projected capital outlay. It was based on MARTA's guiding principles of maintaining financial stability, improving customer service and reinvesting in MARTA's infrastructure to maintain reliable, safe transportation into the future.

The FY08 operating budget includes the addition of customer service representatives to provide quicker, more convenient service, additional personnel to increase uniformed presence throughout the system, and more cleaning and maintenance staff to ensure vehicles and rail stations remain in top shape. Additional investments are being made in paratransit services to improve on-time performance and reliability.

There is no fare increase included in the FY08 budget. Thanks to a strict financial management plan, MARTA has not increased its fare price since January 2001.

The FY08 capital budget also funds a number of system improvements that will enhance customers' experience including rail car and track rehabilitation, upgrades to safety and communications systems and improvements to infrastructure throughout the system.

Over the past few years, MARTA has implemented a comprehensive plan to build a better system. Exciting improvements are currently underway in all 38 rail stations to enhance service and improve the overall customer experience. These projects include a significant reinvestment in safety and security equipment, communications systems, and overall customer service offerings.

MARTA's number one priority is to provide customers with a safe and secure environment and numerous enhancements are being made in this area. An extensive lighting program is underway that incorporates new bright white lighting in all rail station concourses, platforms and parking lots. So far 10 stations have been completed, and work will soon begin on the plaza area of Five Points Station.

Station closed circuit television cameras also contribute significantly to safety efforts. In early 2008, MARTA will complete an upgrade of 474 original cameras and installation of 1,038 new cameras. These cameras are equipped with fiber optic technology and digital recording capabilities, which will improve picture quality and image usability. Staff will be able to monitor live and archived color images from the rail, bus and police communication centers.

New technology is also being incorporated into MARTA's communications systems. High-quality communication tools are essential to keeping customers informed, and MARTA is currently working on projects to enhance its Visual Public Address System (VPAS), an electronic sign system and in-station telephone network. The VPAS system provides valuable service information to customers on a scrolling sign; however, the signs are only available in select stations. MARTA is currently installing signs in its remaining stations and working to upgrade the existing ones.

In-station telephones are also being overhauled to ensure that customers can quickly contact the customer service center to request information or report a problem. The current system is experiencing signs of age, and new equipment is being installed to streamline components and improve system functionality.

While these projects are underway, MARTA continues to assess system needs and plan for the future. MARTA remains committed to working with customers to find new and innovative ways to enhance and improve the quality of its transit service.

The MARTA Police Department, led by Chief Wanda Dunham, was recently reaccredited for the fourth time by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The Department is one of only three transit agencies that has met the stringent requirements of this highly regarded and broadly recognized body of law enforcement standards. CALEA accreditation recognizes the Department's focus on professional excellence and efforts to work above mandatory standards.

To receive this prestigious designation, a team of independent assessors reviews procedures and processes and confirms that the Department meets 448 law enforcement standards. The accreditation lasts for 3 years and annual updates are submitted to verify ongoing compliance with CALEA's standards.

MARTA will hold a Community Exchange meeting on Thursday, May 31, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fulton County Government Center, Third Floor Training Conference Room (141 Pryor Street) to discuss opportunities to improve service in Atlanta's Central Business district, which runs North of I-20, South of 10th Street, West of Moreland Avenue and East of Joseph Lowery Boulevard. The meeting will give customers an opportunity to provide feedback about Bus Routes 3, 13, 98, 99, 100, 110 and 113, which serve this area, and MARTA service as a whole. No changes are planned for these routes at this time. Maps of Atlanta's Central Business district will be on display so that customers can offer suggestions for future service.

Community exchanges are part of MARTA's regular effort to receive public feedback and ensure that service continues to meet the needs of customers. All members of the public are invited to attend and offer comments about service in this community. Staff will be available to gather input, provide information and answer questions.

Directions using MARTA:
Take MARTA to Five Points Station. Exit to the Peachtree Street level. Walk south one block to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, take a left, go one block to Pryor Street. The Government Center will be the building on your right (141 Pryor Street).