The Brief
- Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will make reductions to certain routes during off-peak hours to address a $14 million budget deficit.
- The 2026 service plan utilizes $9 million in federal ARPA funds and $4.7 million in county funding to sustain transit and paratransit services through the year.
- Service changes will begin on January 11, 2026, with a second phase starting March 8.
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will roll out a two-phase service plan in 2026, in an effort to maximize transit and paratransit services and avoid route cuts in Milwaukee County.
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved the 2026 MCTS Service Plan on Thursday, Dec. 18, and it will be sent to County Executive David Crowley for his signature.
“My administration worked with MCTS and the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors to deliver this investment in public transportation that reinforces our shared commitment to protecting essential services while balancing fiscal responsibility,” said County Executive Crowley. “Thanks to our collaborative efforts, workers and families who rely on our bus system will still have access to this essential service. As we look forward, I will continue working to pursue new funding opportunities, collaborate with partners in the community, and seek out additional support from state and federal leaders to ensure people who rely on public transit in Milwaukee County can continue utilizing this important service in the years ahead.”
Services plan
What we know:…