Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Provides Update on MCTS Fiscal and Organizational Progress
MILWAUKEE – On Thursday, June 4, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, alongside County leaders, provided an update on the Milwaukee County Transit System’s (MCTS) organizational and fiscal progress. Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and MCTS leadership shared advancements in reducing operating costs, addressing fare evasion, and planning for a system redesign in 2027. During the event, MCTS also unveiled its new GILLIG 6500 series Clean Diesel buses.
“Through collaboration and new leadership, my administration has worked to sustain bus routes and paratransit service in 2026, address operating costs, reduce fare evasion, enhance safety, modernize core infrastructure, and take intentional steps to plan for MCTS’ future,” said County Executive Crowley. “While the progress we’ve realized is encouraging, we still face a serious structural funding challenge next year, as MCTS is one of the only major transit systems in the country without a dedicated source of funding. That’s why I will continue advocating for the funding our transit system needs because the strength of our community depends on keeping people connected.”
Projected 2026 Budget Surplus MCTS is projecting that the system will end 2026 with a modest surplus if trends continue. A fiscal report submitted to the Office of the Comptroller estimates that the County will draw approximately $490,000 less in federal funds than planned in the 2026 Adopted Budget. This potential surplus represents less than 1% of the MCTS budget, but any additional funds will help the system address a $15.7 million projected budget gap in 2027. MCTS will also see one-time savings in paratransit services after reaching a new agreement with its provider.
“MCTS has successfully reduced overtime spending, improved fare enforcement efforts, and addressed rising paratransit costs, creating a potential surplus,” said Director of the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation Joe Lamers. “Through improved operations, the system is on course for a modest surplus at the end of the year, even though local revenue sources are lower than expected.”
Reduced Fare Evasion MCTS’s fare evasion rate dropped from 33% last summer to a 24% average from January through April of this year, after implementing a coordinated strategy involving security, marketing and communications, and operator training to prioritize fare payment while considering equitable access, rider and operator safety, and long-term sustainability.
2027 System Redesign MCTS is planning for the future, having engaged Jarrett Walker + Associates (JWA), a nationally recognized consultant, to lead a bus network redesign that balances current resources while planning for potential future funding. Throughout the summer and fall, MCTS and JWA will engage a wide range of stakeholders in this process, including the public.
“It has been my priority to establish MCTS both as a system that the people of Milwaukee County can rely on, and a system that we can afford,” said MCTS President and CEO Steve Fuentes. “While we look for new funding, we are also examining how we can live within our means. We have officially launched the bus network redesign process, which will allow us to balance current resources while planning for potential future funding.”
New Buses Delivery has begun for 39 new GILLIG 6500 series Clean Diesel buses, ordered in 2025. Powered by the Cummins L9 engine, the buses meet 2026 EPA standards while using advanced technology to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
The first two buses were delivered on April 28 with additional deliveries continuing through June. The buses will enter service in early summer, once MCTS’ maintenance and operations team has time to inspect the new vehicles. MCTS purchased the buses using approximately $21 million in federal grant funding that covers 80% of their purchase.
MCTS’ Structural Funding Gap Funding sources for MCTS remain flat as costs like bus maintenance and wages continue to rise. In 2026, MCTS is effectively underfunded by $35 million since state aids have not increased with inflation. Overall, MCTS has limited options to generate additional revenue.
As one of the only major transit agencies in the nation – and the only one in the Midwest- without a dedicated source of funding, MCTS has adapted by becoming one of the most efficient systems in the nation, particularly on a cost per rider basis.
More information is available at www.ridemcts.com.
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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