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Between July and December 2006, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) boosted ridership 7.2 percent and increased revenue 3.8 percent compared with the same 2005 period.

The authority attributes the increases in part to a new “Breeze” fare-collection system, which has been installed system-wide to more accurately record passenger counts and collect fares. In addition, high gas prices, population growth and development near rail stations helped fuel the ridership and revenue gains, MARTA said.

Authority officials expect ridership to continue increasing as MARTA rehabilitates passenger cars, adds service and improves cleanliness, customer service and security.