Milwaukee County Transit System

MCTS NEXT

In 2018, MCTS began a comprehensive study of the entire fixed-route system and began the process of implementing a new system with faster service, more connections, and easier-to-understand routes. Multiple community meetings and forums were held to get public input on the project. Before the project, only about 40% of the system was high-frequency routes, defined as routes on which buses come every 15 minutes during peak hours. The consensus from the study was that riders wanted faster service and were willing to walk the extra distance to bus stops. MCTS presented two options – transition the system to an 80-20 model, meaning 80% of the routes would be high-frequency, or a 60-40 model with 60% of the routes high-frequency, the latter being what the public ultimately decided on. MCTS analyzed every bus stop in the system and removed some lightly used bus stops to speed up service.^[9] The system overhaul was implemented in three phases during 2021, starting on March 7. This first phase included modifications to several routes and introduced two new ones. The second phase, starting on June 6, 2021, involved changes to the PurpleLine and various numbered routes, plus four new additions. The final phase started on August 29, 2021, affected the BlueLine and multiple other routes, added three new ones, and retired two lines. Ridership increased by 14% after the first phase was implemented.^[10]

Response to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks were required on all MCTS buses. In the early stages of the pandemic, there was a limit of 10 passengers per bus, which was increased to 15, but that increase was rescinded on July 1, 2021.^[11] Passengers were encouraged to limit interaction with the bus driver, exit through the back door, and use contactless fare forms, such as the M•CARD or the Ride MCTS app.^[12]

U-Pass and Commuter Value Pass

As part of the overhaul, the previous U-Pass system was replaced by U-Pass WisGo. This separate smartcard provides students in Milwaukee County with unlimited rides through participating universities and colleges. Commuter Value Pass (CVP) users receive a similar employer-issued WisGo card, retaining the same benefits as the original program. Both U-Pass and CVP WisGo holders may also use the Umo app.^[15][16]

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) routes

MCTS also runs additional services on days when the Milwaukee Public Schools are in session.

North-South Transit Enhancement Project

Milwaukee County, MCTS, and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) engaged in a study of the 27th Street Corridor. A considerable number of jobs, shopping centers, and medical facilities are located along this corridor, currently served by the PurpleLine. This project planned on enhancing transit along 27th Street by re-imagining the PurpleLine as a bus rapid transit line, which would add a second route to the CONNECT system. While the current PurpleLine is already an express route, it does not offer rapid transit service for the majority of the route, as numerous stops are 0.2 miles (1,100 ft; 320 m) apart. This was one of the aspects of transit in this corridor the project would have addressed.^[35] The project also aimed at addressing racial inequalities in the transit system, reduce reckless driving, attract new riders, and overall improve the quality of transit in this corridor.^[36]

However, in late August 2024, Milwaukee County officials recommended and later approved the shelving of the CONNECT 2 project for an indeterminate amount of time due to budgetary concerns. The pausing of the project, according to County supervisors, will allow MCTS to remain financially solvent until 2028.^{[37] [38]}

Active

In May 2022, Milwaukee County applied for $55.2 million in federal grants to fund 32 battery-electric and 60 clean-diesel buses; the request was not awarded.^[44] Subsequent funding for fleet replacement included $8.4 million in state grants awarded in March 2023 for 16 battery-electric buses.^[45]

On March 19, 2025, MCTS introduced a new primary livery, replacing the blue, green, and yellow scheme used since 2010. The design uses a light blue, dark blue, and yellow pattern with stylized graphics depicting the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Hoan Bridge.^[43] Later that year, the system secured $8 million through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program. This included close to $6 million for 20 clean-diesel buses scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.^[46] An additional $1 million in federal funding for bus replacements was announced in February 2026.^[47]

Retired

See: Milwaukee & Suburban Transport Corporation for vehicles delivered pre-MCTS era.