MCTS Seeks Community Input on Two System Redesign Concepts as MCTS Forward Enters Public Opinion Phase
Public Invited to Weigh in on MCTS Forward Concepts at 20 Community Events
MILWAUKEE (Sept. 8, 2026) – What should the future of public transit look like in Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is inviting the community to help decide whether they should focus on building ridership or maintaining route coverage as it redesigns the bus network.
“MCTS affects everyone in Southeast Wisconsin, whether it means less congestion on their daily commute or a reliable connection to work, which is why we want to hear from everyone in Milwaukee County,” said MCTS President and CEO Steve Fuentes. “Whether you ride the bus, drive a car, own a business or work for MCTS, the future of public transportation will impact all who share Milwaukee County roads. Your input will help us build a bus network that is stable, financially sustainable and scalable so we can continue to serve the County.”
Two System Redesign Concepts: Ridership or Coverage
Over the course of six weeks, MCTS will host a series of community events to share two conceptual designs with the public. The concepts address a 25 percent service reduction due to a projected budget shortfall. The ridership concept is designed to increase the number of people who use the bus with fewer routes but higher frequency, and the coverage concept is designed to provide broader coverage across the County, with less frequency. Public feedback will guide decisions by MCTS, in partnership with the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, to decide how to balance priorities when choosing how best to serve the public.
Open Houses, Community Meetings, and Online Opportunities for Feedback
Community members can view the route redesign concepts, engage with MCTS staff, and provide feedback via survey by attending one of the five open houses listed below. In addition to the open houses, staff will be present at more than 20 community events across the county.
The Concepts Report, a public feedback survey, and a list of public engagement opportunities will be shared online on September 16 at RideMCTS.com/MCTSForward.
MCTS Forward Open House
Thursday, Sep. 24, 4-6 p.m.
Cudahy Family Library – Suzann E. Collins Gathering Place, 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy
MCTS Route to Event: 15
MCTS Forward Transit Plus Paratransit Open House
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Independence First, 540 S. 1st St., Milwaukee
MCTS Routes to Event: 15, 18 and 20
MCTS Forward Open House
Thursday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Wauwatosa Public Library – Firefly Room, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
MCTS Routes to Event: 21 and 76
MCTS Forward Open House
Friday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Milwaukee Public Library – Center Street Branch, Community Room, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee
MCTS Routes to Event: BlueLine, PurpleLine and 22
MCTS Forward Open House
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
United Community Center, 1028 S. 9th St., Milwaukee
MCTS Routes to Event: 18 and 80
Spanish speaking
The MCTS Forward consultant team, including staff from Jarrett Walker and Associates and Athena Communications, will also attend multiple local community events to gather public input using a paper version of the survey.
MCTS, and its consultant Jarret Walker + Associates, will present the results of public feedback with the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in the winter.
About MCTS Forward
MCTS Forward is a collaborative, 12-18 month project to think about the future of public transit in Milwaukee County. MCTS faces projected budget shortfalls over the next several years that require MCTS to reduce its bus service hours to meet those financial realities.
Amidst the budget deficit, this initiative will be a transparent conversation with the public, stakeholders, and the County Supervisors about what MCTS’s bus network could look like with a 25% reduction in service as MCTS continues to pursue sustainable funding.
For the latest information on event dates and locations and to take the survey, learn more about MCTS’s funding situation, and sign up for future updates, visit RideMCTS.com/MCTSForward.
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.
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