Figuring out where you want to go and leaving the station
The Simple Answer
Google Maps or the Transit App will tell you what station is the closest to your destination. You need to scan your Breeze Card on the way out of the station.
The More Complicated Answer
If you’re taking another train, you don’t have to leave the station. If you’re going from the Mall West End to Little Five Points, you may want to take the Red/Gold Line to Five Points Station (not to be confused with the destination here!) and transfer to the Blue/Green Line to Inman Park Station. In that case, you just go up one level and wait for your train.
If you’re walking to your final destination, you obviously need to leave the station. If you’re catching a bus, you’ll also need to leave the station.
Some stations have multiple exits, so watch which way you leave. I was at Georgia State Station one day and didn’t see where the bus we wanted was parked. I just picked a gate and went outside in the cold…and had to walk all the way around the block to get to the correct side. Oops.
When you leave the station, you have to scan your Breeze Card to open the gates.
The Details
Make sure you pay attention to the operator announcements and watch the scrolling board on the train. Both will let you know what station is coming up next. Some of my favorite operators tell you the next couple stations, which is nice. There’s a system map on the every train car (there might be two) that you can check against.
Be ready to get off the train at your stop. Don’t dawdle. If you’re not moving toward the doors when the train stops, the chances are high that you’ll have the doors shut in your face.
The Transit App gives you a warning when your stop is coming up, whether it be on the train or bus. That’s a great feature.
Pay attention to the people around you. Regular riders know when to start moving toward the door, so follow their queues. Also be aware that people behind you may be coming up the aisle toward the door, so watch out for them.