Study Highlights Milwaukee County Transit System’s Value to Southeast Wisconsin’s Regional Economy
Key findings demonstrate benefits to all road users, not just those who ride the bus
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) delivers hundreds of millions of dollars in annual savings to Southeast Wisconsin each year, according to preliminary findings from an ongoing Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) study. The data shows the system is also recognized as one of the most efficient transit systems in the Midwest.
Key data from the Value of MCTS Report was presented to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors’ Committee on Transportation and Transit on Wednesday, May 13. Early findings highlight MCTS’ role in a healthy regional transportation system, benefiting all road users, not just those who ride the bus.
“A strong public transportation system delivers benefits well beyond Milwaukee County, supporting a safe and efficient regional transportation and freight network,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “As Wisconsin’s primary economic center, we recognize that reduced traffic congestion and delays, lower vehicle operating costs, fewer crashes, and lower vehicle emissions in Milwaukee County translate into hundreds of millions of dollars saved for suburban commuters, tourists, the freight industry, and local businesses each year. This value shows why investing in the state’s largest public transportation network is an investment in Wisconsin’s economy.”
More Than $345 Million Saved Regionally Each Year
The report shows that MCTS saves the region at least $345 million per year, or about $2.9 billion over ten years, in avoided costs through reduced traffic congestion and delays, lower vehicle operating costs, fewer crashes, and lower vehicle emissions.
- Congestion and Delay Costs: MCTS service is estimated to prevent approximately $155 million per year in weekday congestion and delay costs, even before factoring in weekend travel.
- Vehicle Operating Costs: The analysis shows that transit removes roughly 425,000 vehicle miles of travel from Milwaukee County roads each weekday, saving approximately $78 million in fuel and vehicle wear.
- Avoided Crash Costs: Transit is one of the safest ways to travel, reducing the likelihood of crashes. An analysis of MCTS service and Milwaukee County crash rates estimates approximately $76 million in avoided costs each year, due to 700-900 fewer crashes annually, including 2-4 fewer fatal crashes.
- Emissions & Health: MCTS transit service reduces CO2 by approximately 92,000 metric tons each year, as well as reducing NOx, SOx, and PM2.5, saving approximately $36 million in emissions and health costs.
“Those who drive a car every day may not think that the bus system has much impact on their daily commute, but this data shows that MCTS saves drivers both time and money,” said Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Joe Lamers. “The 25 million rides MCTS provides each year represent millions of avoided car trips, which is good for everyone traveling into and through the county.”
Additional Non-Monetary Value
The $345 million in avoided costs does not include additional significant non‑monetary benefits, such as travel time reliability, reduced day-to-day disruptions for employers and employees due to more reliable commutes, health benefits through active transportation, providing travel options for individuals who don’t drive, and costs saved through avoided car ownership.
Performance Compared to Peer Systems
The study also shows that MCTS is one of the most efficient transit systems in the Midwest. When compared to peer systems that serve other Midwestern metropolitan areas, MCTS generates regional transit benefits comparable to much larger systems while operating at one of the lowest per-trip costs in the Midwest.
When compared to the Chicago, Minneapolis, Madison, Columbus, and Indianapolis metro areas, MCTS operates at the lowest cost per revenue mile, and the second lowest cost per trip. MCTS also leads peer groups in ridership recovery after the pandemic.
“MCTS punches above its weight when compared to other systems, generating value for the entire region by connecting more people to their destinations at a lower cost,” said MCTS President and CEO Steve Fuentes. “Investing in transit is an investment in core economic infrastructure that provides vital access to jobs, education, and healthcare in our community.”
About the Value of MCTS Report
SEWRPC began conducting the study in April 2025 at the request of MCDOT, to inform future transportation planning efforts in alignment with recommendations from SEWRPC’s VISION 2050 Plan. The study builds on previous technical work and uses federal guidance, regional travel demand modeling, EPA emissions modeling, MCTS data and U.S. Census data to provide a data-driven picture of MCTS impacts.
The full report is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2026. The data in the report will help inform MCTS’ upcoming system redesign and SEWRPC’s next long-range transportation and land use plan, VISION 2060.
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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