Wasserman Resolution Calls for Giving Mcts Workers Christmas Day Off

MILWAUKEE – A resolution currently supporting consideration of discontinuing Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) service on Christmas Day as a potential cost-saving measure is expected to be taken up by the County Board’s Committee on Finance. It is currently being circulated for cosponsorship. The measure, introduced by Supervisor Sheldon A. Wasserman, would both eliminate service on Christmas Day to help improve MCTS’s financial sustainability as well as work to improve worker morale, giving our hard-working transit operators a much-needed day off. According to Wasserman:

“Aligning service levels with actual ridership is a responsible step toward long-term financial stability for MCTS. Christmas Day consistently has the lowest ridership of the year, with schools, government, and most businesses closed.

“Our hard-working bus drivers deserve the chance to be home with their families. This is also a day when families, faith leaders, and neighbors should step up to help with transit needs. No one should be alone on Christmas—and that includes a transit operator alone on a bus.”

The resolution cites the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation’s June 18, 2025 report projecting a $10.9 million shortfall in the MCTS departmental budget. Major drivers of that projection include lower-than-expected passenger revenue and higher-than-budgeted wage and benefit costs.

The resolution also references 2024 ridership data showing 13,931 boardings on Christmas Day and 38,362 boardings the following day. Based on 2024 data, MCTS projects that discontinuing service on Christmas Day could save up to $133,000.

For more information, contact Supervisor Sheldon A. Wasserman at (414) 278-4237 or Sheldon.Wasserman@milwaukeecountywi.gov

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.