Transit Plus Expands Pilot Service for Last-Minute Rides

MILWAUKEE (March 3, 2025) — Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) paratransit service is expanding its same-day ride pilot to include last-minute wellbeing trips. The same day pilot, operated by Via, now offers trips vital for health, employment, and wellbeing that were unable to be scheduled the day before. All of the approximately 5,000 Milwaukee County Transit Plus riders are eligible.

When Transit Plus began the same day pilot in September 2024, the goal was to test and explore urgent trip service. Feedback on the pilot to date has been positive, averaging a 4.7 out of 5 rating from riders. Staff have also received rider testimonials such as the following from a grateful mother:

“Due to her medical condition, my daughter occasionally forgets to schedule her ride the day before and this program has been a huge resource for her. Recently, she forgot to schedule a necessary ride, and having a same-day option greatly reduced her anxiety. I’m very excited about this option and impressed by the service,” said Sonia Broughton.

Early results from the pilot have found that there were more types of last-minute trips beyond health or employment destinations that needed to be added. Simple things that affect people every day, like needing a quick trip to the grocery store to purchase milk, were considered as part of the expansion.

Transit Plus Director Fran Musci said, “At the launch, we predicted there would be adjustments to the pilot as we learned more. That’s why, going forward, the pilot service will also transport riders to wellbeing meetings, appointments, and life events that come up on short notice. For all other travel that can be scheduled in advance, our ADA van service is here to help.”

About the Transit Plus Same Day Pilot Program
The same day pilot is funded through Milwaukee County’s annual budget. Rides are available seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to just before 6:00 p.m. Book your ride and pay your fare with a debit or credit card on the Same Day Pilot app or by calling (414) 946-6318. One-way trips are $10, with personal care attendants for authorized participants riding free. A companion is allowed for an additional $10. Riders must present their Transit Plus ID upon boarding. Exact cash fare will also be accepted on board. The service will be available until the pilot funds are exhausted, estimated around fall of 2025. Visit RideMCTS.com/TransitPlus for more information.

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.