Rep. Steil Wants to Ban Free Bus Rides
Republican Congressman targets MCTS with bill banning 'universal fare free.' MCTS says it has no such policy.
MCTS Bus. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
Rep. Bryan Steil is pushing federal legislation banning free bus rides, citing a Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) budget deficit and the agency’s reported struggle with fare evasion.
The bill is called the “No Free Rides Act.” It prohibits transit agencies from implementing a “universal fare free policy,” unless there is a non-federal dedicated source of funding for the system. The bill also allows free-fare exceptions for seniors, students and low-income riders. Transit agencies with free fare policies in violation of the bill would lose access to federal grants, according to a statement released by Steil’s office.
“MCTS policy does not offer universal free rides. Rather, MCTS is committed to using data-driven fare collection strategies and processes that comply with state and federal guidance,” a spokesperson for MCTS said. “Fare evasion is a complex challenge faced by transit systems nationwide. While safety remains MCTS’ top priority, we realize that our policies must balance safety and equity with fiscal sustainability.”
Since 2022, MCTS has instructed bus operators not to ask passengers for fares. The policy was implemented to reduce assaults on bus operators.
In recent months, Steil has taken an interest in MCTS operations after the system announced an unexpected $10.9 million budget deficit in June and revealed that an estimated 33% of riders are not paying a fare. In September, Steil requested greater federal oversight and accountability from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and changes to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidance for fare collection.
The 2025 deficit is not directly caused by fare evasion. It is largely driven by overtime costs, an over-budget private contractor and rising maintenance costs. However, MCTS has also estimated that fare evasion leads to $4 million in lost revenue annually.
Steil’s congressional district includes some of southern Milwaukee County and communities like St. Francis, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Oak Creek, Franklin and Hales Corners. But, despite his interest in transit policy, the congressman has yet to meet with, or speak with, Milwaukee transit officials. The congressman’s office did not respond to a request for comment as of publishing.
“Federal funds are intended to strengthen and sustain public transportation, not give free rides to people who cheat the system,” Steil said in a statement. “Whether it’s refusing to simply request fare from riders, or eliminating fares entirely, these policies not only push local transit agencies like MCTS toward insolvency, but are fundamentally unfair to the hardworking families who rely on public transportation, follow the rules, and pay their fares.”
MCTS implemented the 2022 fare policy because fare disputes were the primary cause of assaults. The same is true for transit agencies across the country, according to national level data.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 (ATU) leaders have pushed MCTS for years to address fare evasion. ATU President Bruce Freeman, and past president Donnell Shorter, have both said the current policy is worsening fare evasion. The union has also long advocated for improved security for bus operators.
In September 2024, the Federal Transit Administration issued a general directive related to transit security suggesting transit agencies tell operators to only ask for fare once, and to not attempt to enforce a fare policy.
“MCTS is actively updating our fare collection policy,” according to a spokesperson. “We are committed to the sustainability of our system and will collaborate with all stakeholders, including state and federal officials, the Milwaukee County Board, and local ATU 998, as we work to find solutions.”
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So Steil believes his “No Free Rides” bill will solve MCTS fare evasion problem. How did he come to that conclusion? He did not speak to anyone from MTCS. He did not meet with any of his constituents. So how does he think “brilliant solution” (heavily laced with sarcasm) will solve MCTS’ deficit and fare evasion problems?
The short answer to that question is, it does not. The longer answer is, this is a solution in need of a problem. Curtailing “universal free fares” as Steil’s bill would do, does not address either operational deficits or fare evasion. What would contribute is, provide adequate funding (both on the federal and state levels) for a public transportation system that serves everyone and not just the poor. It would be a great boon if MCTS could provide reliable public transportation to Steil’s congressional district. Unfortunately, our need for reliable public transit does not square with Steil’s political allegiance to his mega donors.
If this thing passed and MCTS (or NYC if Mamdani wins) wanted to mplement free fares, they could just get around it by setting the fare at one penny.
Montana did something similar when the feds set a nationwide 55 mph speed limit. Montana (where distances are great and people are used to driving 80 mph) got around the law by fining speeders just $5 and not recording the violation (so your insurance couldn’t be raised). Montanans drove across the state with a stack of $5 bills. If pulled over, they handed over an Abe, the cop handed back a receipt, and 2 minutes later they were on their way again (and, as soon as the cop disappeared, at 80 mph).
I have seen MCTS operators tell folks about to put $2 in the farebox to save their money–just get on the bus. I also know operators who are very frustrated with the lax attitude of the entitled culture of MCTS management regarding fare evasion.
IMO, the inept MCTS management created these problems and unfortunately all those dependent on public transit for whatever reason–and it’s not just poor folks–are paying the price. Some may lose their jobs because of lack of reliable transportation. Folks wanting to work but unable to because of the inept MCTS management which seems to think, “public transit is necessary–they will always find the money somewhere,” and then mismanage the funds given and have such a lax policy regarding fare evaders that it practically encourages folks to freeload. And from what I see, fare evasion is increasing. The lax policy of MCTS is getting around.
The County Board is also to blame. Those pathetic excuses for public servants are charged with effectively overseeing MCTS but it does nothing.
Perhaps because I’m dependent on public transit and have never evaded my fare, I consider the situation at MCTS and the lack of oversight by the County Board extremely serious and I think the only short term solution is for an armed National Guard member to be on every bus to make sure operators accept fares and every person pay or get off the bus.
And the current MCTS management has to have its contract revoked. The Citizens deserve a transit management team who will be responsible about funds given and have an effective collection policy. Until the current MCTS management came in, fare evasion and rampart mismanagement of funds was never the issue it currently is. Why is such incompetence allowed to continue? Because the powers the be and MAGA bunch don’t use public transit? I am a taxpayer too. I may be a member of the struggling class who can’t afford Club memberships, vacations or eating out, but I am a citizen and deserve better than the current system is giving me. Call in the Guard!
Talk about going for the hot topic button. Way to go Steil, how about the Epstein files or the desecration of the East Wing of the White House or even the assassinations of sailors at sea? How about opening the government? This issue on buses, that is passengers refusing to pay fares, is not new. Will you advocate for more security on buses? Will you pay for better driver protection? When it comes to finding real solutions at the level of the “street”, you’ve been AWOL as has been your entire GOP leadership. Ever since Walker, you’ve underfunded transit in Milwaukee, and now you’ve found a hot issue: the homeless are gaming bus fares! Once again, you’ve found a way to represent the wealthy, most of them don’t ride transit, so this is a safe issue for you, but a real world issue for those on limited incomes.
How about free bus rides for everyone? Those who drive don’t have to pay a toll to use the roads. We, the taxpayers, provide free roads. Let’s provide free bus rides.
Bryan Steil, is a Republican from Janesville in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. It would be helpful for UrbanMKE journalists to include “(R, Janesville)” when describing this politician, and any other politico should similarly be ID’d.
What does he say about M-Co’s free days on Christmas or New Years? Better to let alcohol-effected drivers on the road, rather than allow free bus transport??
Where will the financing to replace public support come from? Until the opposing State legislators are replaced, that probably won’t happen soon!
This really is the heart of the left wing/right wing controversy: Do we want government to actively participate in the well-being of its citizens through health care, transportation, research, education, culture, etc., or do we want government out of everyone’s lives and continue to support the wealth of capitalists at the expense of everything else while doing nothing for anyone except the wealthy?
His legislation does nothing to address the issue. How would he propose to force the collection of fares? While I think people should pay the fare (and that’s difficult now since so many have gotten away with not paying), what’s the plan to make that happen? Personally, I wouldn’t want to be a bus driver that has to confront these freeloaders. Thanks to our lax gun laws (thanks GOP), that is a risky proposition.
Maybe MCTS should start with resucing the number of executives it currently has. The number of buses decreases by 35% yet the C-suite increases. Let’s start there.