Milwaukee County Transit System

VISIT Milwaukee Launches Community-Wide ‘Bring It Home’ Campaign

There has never been a more crucial time to bring future meetings business back to Milwaukee

County Would Run Bus To Amazon Facility

Bus route planned in 2019 finally gets county board committee support.

Spec Industrial Building Planned for Granville

Plus: A roundup of the week's real estate news.

Former Milwaukeean Running for Vice President

Angela Walker is VP nominee for Green Party, but might not get on Wisconsin ballot.

MCTS Announces Detours Ahead of the DNC

Service Delays Expected Saturday, August 15 at 6 p.m. through Friday, August 21 Midday

Bus Capacity Increasing to 15

The social distancing precautions and mask-mandate remain.

MCTS Wins $3 Million Federal Grant

Grant will pay for a less exciting part of running a transit system - repairing a maintenance facility.

Bus Driver’s Skunk Rescue Nets PETA Award

After Bob Ervin Frees Skunk From Plastic Container, Group Reminds Everyone to Protect Wildlife by Crushing Cups and Cans

I-43 to Get Diverging Diamond Interchange

Bicycle-friendly design has cars using left lane, a first for the county.

Supervisor Ryan Clancy’s Facemask Ordinance Adopted

MCTS to Require Masks on Buses Starting August 1

Racial Equity Legislation Signed Into Law

Also, Juneteenth officially becomes a major holiday for Milwaukee County.

MCTS Hosting Virtual Job Fair to Hire Bus Drivers, Mechanics & More

Why Did Bus Service Shutdown During Protests?

Reports of gunfire, reckless driving, looting and arson drove officials to suspend service.

Bus Passengers May Face Mask Mandate

County committee okays policy and full board likely to agree, could be in place August 1.

Milwaukee County Executive Crowley Urges Residents to Complete the 2020 Census with Support from County Call Centers

Effort uses a racial equity lens to ensure the ‘hardest to count’ populations are accounted for in 2020

With Summer Here, Milwaukee County Officials Encourage Residents to Take Precautions During Hot Weather

With people isolating because of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to check on vulnerable residents

Mystery of the Bayshore Bus Turnaround

Why was newly built replacement for Bayshore bus turnaround abandoned? MCTS won't say.

MCTS To Suspend Service Early Tonight

Peaceful Protesters March Over 12 Miles Across Milwaukee

Several hundred people crisscross the city with a message of frustration, but peace, before curfew went into effect.

Transit Union Blasts MCTS Mask Policy

Transit system leadership is wary of trying to enforce a mask requirement for riding buses.

Trump Announces Funding for Milwaukee Bus Rapid Transit Line

President tweets long-awaited $40.9 million grant is being awarded.

Amtrak, Buses, Uber Requiring Masks

Train, bus and ride share companies taking various steps to combat the pandemic.

COVID-19 Could Cost County $450 Million

Milwaukee County being squeezed by increased costs, declining revenue.

Weishan Running for Register of Deeds

After 20 years on the county board Sup. John Weishan, Jr. seeks a better paying position.

Milwaukee Area Receives $62 Million in COVID-19 Mass Transit Aid

MCTS will receive over $50 million from allocation

Campaign Aims To Buy Gift Cards for Bus Drivers

Crowdfunding campaign looks to raise $15,000 to thank transit employees for keeping things rolling.

Buses Limited to 10 Riders

Starting Thursday a limit of 10 passengers on county buses to prevent spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 At The Bargaining Table

Unions, employers discuss workplace changes in the age of pandemic.

Free Bus Rides Start Saturday

Riders can use rear door eliminating interaction between drivers and passengers.

Bus Driver Tests Positive for COVID-19

Transit union calls for personal protective equipment for operators. MCTS says drivers protected by shield.

MCTS Reduces Weekday Bus Service

Milwaukee Officials Ask Public to Stay Home, As Much as Possible

As cases of COVID-19 grow in Milwaukee County and the state, preventive measures now will save lives in the future.

Milwaukee County Updates Regarding COVID-19

MCTS Riders Encouraged to Limit Non-Essential Travel

How Can Transit Connect To Jobs?

New bus route to Amazon at county's far end or night buses to jobs in more urban areas?

Evers Announces $75 Million in Transportation Funding

Milwaukee County Transit System gets $1 million grant.

County Sales Tax Legislation Gets Hearing

Bill supported by local business leaders allows hike in county sales tax for local purposes.

Make MCTS Free During DNC

Free bus rides could make the convention hassle-free for Milwaukeeans.

Bus Rapid Transit Faces Delays, Higher Costs

Trump administration mismanagement of grant program costing county time and money.

Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2020 State of the City Speech

Potawatomi Hotel Casino, February 10, 2020 As Prepared for Delivery

Milwaukee County Launches Pilot Program to Expand Accessibility for MCTS Riders

Aira app helps MCTS riders who are blind or low vision navigate the more than 5,000 bus stops in Milwaukee County

State Office Building Gets Boost

Near West Side Partners leader says state is advancing project that could land on 27th St.

$30 Million Eagleknit a Game Changer

Wangard redevelopment in Walker's Point a technology hub that will train minorities.

Delivery Tax Isn’t Legal, Says City Attorney

But Lena Taylor disagrees. Is 60 cent fee on food deliveries a tax or a fee?

Delivery Tax Could Help Fix Potholes

Ald. Dodd's proposal imposes 60 cent fee on third-party deliveries like Uber Eats.

American Family Unveils Downtown Office Plan

Insurance company to redevelop century-old Mandel Graphics building near Fiserv Forum.

5 Milwaukeeans to Be Thankful For

Milwaukee is a better -- and far more interesting place -- because of these five folks.

Lipscomb Proposal to Modernize MCTS Bus Fleet Will Save County $27 Million

Full Conversion to Battery Electric Buses Could be Completed by 2040

2020 Budget Benefits County’s South Shore

"Despite the limits on our revenue and overall reduction in spending, there are several bright spots in the 2020 budget that South Shore that residents can look forward to."

Why the Bus Union Didn’t Strike

MCTS offer of back pay for workers, and weariness after 21 months bargaining, were key.

See Every Property In The City

Eventually. Developer's new Twitter account creating photos of city's 150,000 homes and businesses.

Supervisor Sebring Opposes Rideshare Tax

"The proposed Uber/Lyft rideshare tax is nothing more than a thinly veiled fascist attempt to penalize tax paying citizens for not riding the bus."

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Signs 2020 budget

Prioritizing investments for residents and communities most in need were cornerstones of the balanced budget as County leaders unite to pursue new revenue sources

MCTS, ATU Local 998 Reach Agreement on New Contract

"The deal marks an end to negotiations that have been underway for 21 months."

Alderman Cavalier Johnson on Running for Milwaukee County Executive

I believe that my focus should remain on the work at hand in City Hall at this time.

MCTS Has Highest-Rated Transit Tracking and Ticketing App in North America

In less than two years, the app has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, received thousands of positive reviews and achieved an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in the iOS App Store.

Thursday Transit Strike Averted

Transit union will vote on contract offer from MCTS.

Bus Drivers Ready (Again) To Strike

Transit union leader says negotiations with MCTS going nowhere, threatens strike.

Rep. Goyke & State Assembly to Honor Hometown Hero Irena Ivic

"On Thursday we honor a mother, neighbor, and public servant who came to the rescue of a child in danger."

Bayshore Plan Misses the Bus

2006 redevelopment was a huge failure. New plan again ignores bus transit and true urbanism.

Revised Budget Saves More Transit

Board scrapes the barrel for funds to save bus routes, prevent various service cuts.

Could Federal Grant Revive the Jobline?

Supervisors eager to recreate the shuttered bus service push to use federal grant.

Committee Approves City BRT Agreement

City DPW would be reimbursed by Milwaukee County for design and infrastructure costs.

Bus Union Threatens Strike By October 25

Demands new contract proposal by then. Transit officials say they will meet the deadline.

Zielinski for Mayor Bus Ads Debut

21 MCTS buses now highlight Tony Zielinski's campaign for mayor.

Abele’s Budget Sees Cuts, and New Programs

Proposed budget closes two pools and cuts bus routes, but boosts the Sheriff's department

Bauman Wants 1.5 Percent Sales Tax

Additional funding would be dedicated to transit service, end what the alderman calls a "death spiral"

MCTS Fleet Maintenance Facility Among Featured Tours During Doors Open Milwaukee

The Facility Is Open to the Public on Saturday, Sept. 28 Only

Transit Cuts Reduced By Abele

After questions raised, his revised 2020 budget finds more revenue for bus system.

MCTS Offers Service To and From Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk for Children’s Hospital

Freeway Flyer service on Route 44 begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs approximately every 15 minutes until 9:30 a.m. from the State Fair Park-Ride Lot at S. 76th Street and W. Kearney Street.

Could Federal Grant Have Saved Bus Routes?

Some question how Abele administration used federal grant money.

Bus Union Authorizes a Strike

The union votes no on MCTS' final contract offer, gives leadership power to call strike.

Bus Union Threatens Strike By Friday

Union leader predicts a strike, but some workers likely to favor contract being offered.

Bus Union’s Budget Claims Disputed

Its claim that MCTS has big annual surpluses misrepresents the budget, comptroller says.

An Open Letter From County Executive Chris Abele to ATU Leadership

This contract provides a 2 percent raise upon contract signing, with another 1.1 percent raise on April 1, 2020.

Planned Bus System Cuts Create Anxiety

Cutbacks will “impact the most vulnerable folks”, community leaders say.

ATU Local 998 Challenges MCTS 2020 ‘Budget Hole’ Projection

Preliminary investigation points to millions of over projected MCTS operating expenses since 2015

The Man Who Biked to Every Bublr Station

87 local stations in four different cities, one dauntless rider biked to every one of them.

Time to Update MCTS Advertising Guidelines

"No one should feel our public transportation is subjecting them to a political ad."

Who Has the Cheapest Scooter?

Bird, Lime and Spin versus MCTS and Bublr Bikes. Which is the best deal?

Transit Negotiations Over, What’s Next?

MCTS makes its best and final offer. Union must accept it or go on strike.

MCTS Plans to Cut 16 Bus Routes

Most riders wouldn't be affected by cuts, driven by projected $5.9 million budget deficit.

Supervisor Sebring Calls for Removal of Anti-Law Enforcement Ad on County Bus

"We cannot allow a county bus to be decorated with advertising that includes a 'how-to' guide for illegal immigrants to evade law enforcement."

James Davies Will Lead Bublr Bikes

Cycling attorney James Davies succeeds fundraising veteran Sally Sheperdson.

Milwaukee Losing As Summerfest Safety Costs Grow Quickly

Long-term lease agreement means the city has eaten $4 million in costs since 2011.

Take It EZ, Donovan Urges

New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.

‘MCTS Excellence’ Video Series Honored with Prestigious National Award

MCTS Excellence began in late 2016 as a video series posted on the company’s website and official social media accounts.

Milwaukee County Officials Remind Residents to Take Precautions During the Hot Weather

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for south central and southeast Wisconsin from 12:00PM on July 18 through 11:00PM on July 19

Committee Okays City Pedestrian Plan

98 pages with 100 actions suggested. But will any of it be funded?

Should Bus Riders Skip Airport Security Line?

They do at Boston's airport. Why not at Milwaukee's?

Bus Rapid Transit Expected by 2021

9-mile line, $54 million project by Milwaukee County mostly funded by federal grant.

Way To Go, County Board!

For too long, workers and community members have been shut out of the MCTS leadership.

Abele’s Power Over County Transit Targeted

Proposal gives county supervisors and employees more power over county bus system.

Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020

City hopes to maintain free rides to keep up ridership but this could leave funding gap.

MCTS Offers Convenient and Affordable Rides to and from Summerfest

MCTS provides three great transportation options for anyone enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the World’s Largest Music Festival.

County Board Honors Seven MCTS Bus Drivers for Finding Lost, Missing Children

Several other MCTS Drivers and Transit Security Officers have also come to the aid of lost or missing children over the years.

Evers Brings Back Pardon Review Board

Walker disbanded it, wouldn’t pardon anyone in his eight years as governor.

Gov. Evers Announces Pardon Advisory Board, Establishes Pardon Process

The Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board will review eligible applications and make recommendations to Gov. Evers on who to grant a pardon to.

MCTS Unveils 28 New Buses

Buses have improvements for riders, bus drivers and other road users. See our photos.