Milwaukee County Board Votes to Invest $5 Million to Protect Transit Service

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a resolution that takes decisive action to protect transit riders from service disruptions. This legislation responds to Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell‘s authored 2026 transit budget amendment and resolution. The resolution was co-sponsored by Supervisors Rolland, Gómez-Tom, Shea, Eckblad, Vincent, Martin, Taylor (5), Taylor (17), Martinez, Logsdon, O’Connor, Capriolo, Coggs-Jones, Alexander, Bielinski, Johnson, Jr., and both were adopted in November.

The resolution addresses the Milwaukee County Transit System’s projected $14 million budget deficit in 2026 by authorizing the strategic use of more than $5 million from departmental contingency and other funds to mitigate proposed service reductions. It allocates $750,000 to continue an adjusted same-day paratransit pilot for riders with essential transportation needs and $2.5 million to temporarily preserve daily peak service on six routes previously proposed for elimination: Routes 20, 28, 33, 34, 55, and 58.

Additional contingency funding is set aside to address service adjustments throughout 2026 as the situation evolves. “Transit is a lifeline for so many people across Milwaukee County, for workers, families, students, seniors, people with disabilities, and we are prioritizing that lifeline with this plan,” said Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell.

“This legislation puts riders first by minimizing disruption, preserving access where it matters most, and buying critical time while we continue working toward sustainable, long-term solutions. This action moves our community forward, as we continue to work towards protecting transit service, building solutions alongside riders and stakeholders, and protecting our residents in need.”

The resolution will now head to the desk of the County Executive for approval.

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.