Preview of MCTS Bus Advancements Including Smart Cards and Real-Time Information
MCTS to host open house to show off new technology.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), operated by Milwaukee Transport Services, Inc. (MTS), is taking transit to the next level with NEW improvements. Real Time Information, Bus Stop Annunciators and an Electronic Fare System are some of the enhancements you will soon see at the transit system. These improvements will be available to view on Thursday, December 5, 2013, any time between 9 am and 2 pm. The open house will be at MCTS Fleet Maintenance Building at 1525 W. Vine Street.
Mike Giugno, Managing Director of MCTS and President of MTS, stated, “These technological enhancements will provide greater ease for those riding MCTS buses, a catalyst to increasing ridership. MTS has remained focused, working on updating transit’s infrastructure and funding to make this a reality for Milwaukee.”
Improvements that will be showcased:
1. REAL TIME INFORMATION – Individuals will be able to know exactly where their bus is at all times. Passengers can track a bus and know when it is predicted to arrive at a bus stop. Clever Devices is translating the raw data into a clean, usable feed that will power Real-Time tracking features through several mediums including website (RideMCTS.com), mobile devices and phone system. To be completed in early 2014.
2. Electronic Fare System – Scheidt & Bachmann designed and are implementing the new electronic fare system which will simplify riding the bus. This system will use MCTS M•CARDs which are electronic plastic cards – smart cards – that will replace paper passes/tickets and can be used over and over again. You will be able to load the cards with a 1, 7 or 31-day pass, or a specific dollar value for one or multiple rides. There are many benefits to this system including an option to purchase an MCTS M•CARD online with a credit card. Fareboxes will be installed by the end of this year and the smart cards will be available in the first few months of 2014.
3. Automated Bus STOP Annunciator –By the end of the year a stop announcement system will be on every MCTS bus. It will consist of an electronic sign and audio; both will provide clear, easy information about upcoming stops to assist all passengers riding the bus.
The Milwaukee County Transit System is a vital service to the community, connecting 45 million riders each year with jobs, schools, shopping, healthcare and recreation in Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee Transport Services, Incorporated, is a private not-for-profit corporation, contracted by Milwaukee County to manage and operate the Milwaukee County Transit System in conjunction with the Milwaukee County Board and the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation since 1975.
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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Not a bad start, but I will say I’m concerned on how MCTS is rolling this out. Why at a random time at their maintenance facility to show these off? Why not take them on a road trip to the burbs to show them the bus is about to get a little less scary to ride? It’s important to let current riders like myself see the technology, but it’s even more important to get new riders and increase revenues. This is one of the most important technological steps the system has taken in years. Don’t ruin it on the roll out please.
Dear ladies and or gentleman, I recently so adds for your new system mcts m-card. When will it be available,for online registration,and money loading? thank you scott