View source for Milwaukee County Transit System

{{Short description|Public transit authority of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox Bus transit
| name            = Milwaukee County Transit System
| logo            = Milwaukee County Transit System logo.svg
| logo_size       = 120
| image           = Milwaukee County Transit System Bus.png
| image_caption   = 
| company_slogan  = 
| parent          = 
| founded         = June 1, 1975 (49 years ago)
| defunct         =
| headquarters    = 1942 North 17th Street<br />[[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]]
| service_area    = [[Milwaukee County, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]], [[Ozaukee County, Wisconsin|Ozaukee]], and [[Waukesha County, Wisconsin|Waukesha]] counties
| service_type    = {{Plainlist|
* [[Public transport bus service|Bus]]
* [[Bus rapid transit]]
}}
| alliance        = 
| routes          = 42
| destinations    = 
| stops           = 4,591
| hubs            =
| stations        = 2
| lounge          = 
| fleet           = 344 buses<ref>https://www.ridemcts.com/getmedia/f35030da-a9e8-427e-8c34-1dce15828974/2023-MCTS-Annual-Report.pdf</ref>
| ridership       = {{American transit ridership|WI Milwaukee total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|WI Milwaukee total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| fuel_type       = 
| operator        = Milwaukee Transport Services, Inc.
| ceo             = Denise Wandke
| website         = {{URL|http://www.ridemcts.com}}
|depots=Fond du Lac Operating Station

Kinnickinnic Operating Station}}

The '''Milwaukee County Transit System''' ('''MCTS''') is the largest transit agency in [[Wisconsin]], and is the primary transit provider for [[Milwaukee County]]. It ranks among the top 50 transit agencies in the [[United States]] for total passenger trips.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/FactBook/2013-APTA-Fact-Book.pdf |title=2013 Public Transportation Fact Book |publisher=[[American Public Transportation Association]] |page=8 |date=October 2013 |access-date=December 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228193555/http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/FactBook/2013-APTA-Fact-Book.pdf |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Milwaukee Transport Services, Inc. is a quasi-governmental agency responsible for the management and operation of the Milwaukee County Transit System.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milwaukee County Transit System Open Records Public Notice |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/who-we-are/mcts-open-records-requests |website=Milwaukee County Transit System |access-date=April 21, 2021}}</ref> Its bus fleet consists of 360 buses. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|WI Milwaukee total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|WI Milwaukee total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

== History ==
Public transit operations began in Milwaukee during 1860. The service consisted of two horse drawn cars. On June 1, 1975, Milwaukee County took over the bus system and established the Milwaukee County Transit System after taking over the assets of the [[Milwaukee & Suburban Transport Corporation|Milwaukee & Suburban Transport Company]], a private operator.

In 2009, Wisconsin Governor [[Jim Doyle]] proposed a three-county Regional Transit Authority that would incorporate MCTS.<ref>{{cite news |title=Doyle renews push for transit plan |url=https://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/57756992.html |access-date=April 4, 2021 |publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=September 8, 2009}}</ref> The proposal faced opposition from some lawmakers and the Regional Transit Authority was never created.<ref>{{cite news |title=Governor Doyle Vetoes Milwaukee County Sales Tax for Transit |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2009/07/02/governor-doyle-vetoes-milwaukee-county-sales-tax-for-transit/ |access-date=April 4, 2021 |publisher=Urban Milwaukee |date=July 2, 2009}}</ref>

In late 2013 into the early part of 2014, MCTS began debuting new technology onboard buses. This included introducing real-time bus information allowing passengers to track the exact location of buses, new fareboxes and an electronic fare system by virtue of a smart card (M•CARD), and a stop announcement system complete with visual and audio information. Clever Devices is the provider of the real-time bus information and stop annunciator system, whereas the new fareboxes were provided by Scheidt & Bachmann.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MCTS Previews Technology Upgrades |url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/mcts-previews-technology-upgrades |access-date=July 10, 2022 |website=CBS58 |language=en}}</ref>

===MCTS NEXT===

In 2018, MCTS began a comprehensive study and overview of the entire fixed-route system and began the process of implementing a new system with faster service, more connections, and easier-to-understand routes. Multiple community meetings and forums were held to gather public input on the project. Prior to the project, only about 40% of the system was high-frequency routes, defined as routes on which buses come every 15 minutes during peak hours. The consensus from the study was that riders wanted faster service and were willing to walk extra distance to bus stops. MCTS presented two options - transition the system to an 80-20 model, meaning 80% of the routes would be high-frequency, or a 60-40 model with 60% of the routes high-frequency, the latter being what the public ultimately decided. MCTS analyzed every bus stop in the system and removed some lightly used bus stops to speed up service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MCTS NEXT |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/programs/mcts-next |access-date=July 10, 2022 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref> The system overhaul was implemented in 3 phases in 2021, with the first one beginning March 7. This phase involved Routes 15, 19, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 63, and the introduction of new routes 20 and 68. The second phase was implemented June 6, 2021, and involved changes to routes PurpleLine, 12, 14, 21, 53, 57 and 80, with new routes 11, 34, 58 and 88 being introduced. The final phase of the project, implemented August 29, 2021, affected routes BlueLine, 22, 28, 54, 55, 56, 60, 76, with new routes 18, 66 and 92 and the retirement of routes 64 and 67. The reimagined transit system was accompanied by a 14% increase in ridership after the first phase was implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MCTS NEXT |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/programs/mcts-next |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref>

=== Response to COVID-19 ===
Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] pandemic, face masks were required on all MCTS buses. In the early stages of the pandemic, there was a passenger limit of 10 passengers per bus, which was increased to 15, but rescinded on July 1, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MCTS to Require Masks on Buses Starting August 1, 2020|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/about-mcts/news/mask-requirement|access-date=July 24, 2020|website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref> Passengers were encouraged to limit interaction with the bus driver, exit through the back door, and to use contactless fare forms, such as the M•CARD or Ride MCTS app.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/about-mcts/covid-19 |website=Milwaukee County Transit System |access-date=April 4, 2021}}</ref>

=== New fare collection system ===

==== Overview ====
MCTS began transitioning their fare system away from the M•CARD in favor of the WisGo card and Umo App, in mid-2023, with the M•CARD becoming invalid on October 1, 2023. Riders can pay fare via the Umo App using a credit or debit card, [[Apple Pay]] or [[Google Pay (payment method)|Google Pay]]. Instead of showing the validation code in the Umo app to the driver, mobile users now hold the validation code up to new fare validators. The new fare system also features the WisGo Card, which effectively replaced the M•CARD. The ability to load 1, 7 and 31-day passes was eliminated in favor of stored value that never expires. The Go Pass and Reduced Fare programs were consolidated into one encompassing Reduced Fare Program. 90-minute transfers will be available for Umo app and WisGo card users and will cost $2 per transfer for regular adult fare, and $1 per transfer for reduced fare users. The new fare system features [[fare capping]], ensuring regular riders do not pay more than $4 daily, $19.50 weekly, and $72 monthly, and reduced fare riders will not pay more than $2 daily, $11 weekly and $32 monthly. Cash remains a payment option, but riders using cash are not eligible for transfers or fare capping. The full adult cash fare was reduced from $2.25 to $2.00 to expedite fare payments (from $1.10 to $1.00 for reduced fare).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Current MCTS Fares |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/fares#fareprices |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref>

==== Changes with U-Pass and Commuter Value Pass (CVP) ====
The U-Pass was replaced with a variant of the WisGo smartcard that will provide college students with unlimited rides through their university. Commuter Value Pass users also have a special WisGo smartcard issued by their employer that will provide them with the same benefits as the original CVP program did. CVP users can also use the Umo app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fare Collection System Update |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/fares-passes/wisgo-fare-collection-system-updates/wisgo-whats-to-come |access-date=February 26, 2023 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref>

=== CONNECT 1 BRT ===
[[File:Milwaukee April 2024 1 (MCTS Nova Bus LFSe+).jpg|thumb|MCTS [[Nova Bus LFS|Nova Bus LFSe+]] serving the CONNECT 1 BRT route.]]
[[File:MCTS Connect 1 Station.jpg|thumb|A CONNECT 1 station in downtown Milwaukee.]]
The East-West BRT ([[Bus Rapid Transit]]), now known as the CONNECT 1 BRT, is an {{convert|9|mi|adj=on}} route that serves the region's most traveled corridor. The BRT route runs primarily along Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee and Bluemound Road in [[Wauwatosa]], connecting riders from Downtown Milwaukee and [[Marquette University]] to the west side of the city to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ride MCTS {{!}} About MCTS {{!}} News |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/about-mcts/news/brt-update-november-2018 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref> Its goal is to connect thousands of people to and from work, universities, and recreational centers. It features battery-electric buses with USB charging, off-board fare collection, special bus shelters with ramps for ADA accessibility, and dedicated travel lanes along portions of the route.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ |url=http://www.eastwestbrt.com/faq.html |access-date=April 3, 2021 |website=www.eastwestbrt.com}}</ref>

In late 2018, the project design was finalized, and subsequently received federal approval.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FONSI |url=http://www.eastwestbrt.com/fonsi.html |access-date=July 24, 2020 |website=www.eastwestbrt.com}}</ref> MCTS utilized a Small Starts Grant Agreement from the [[Federal Transit Administration]], which accounts for $40.9 million of the $55 million project.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ride MCTS {{!}} About MCTS {{!}} Bus Rapid Transit |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/programs/bus-rapid-transit |access-date=December 6, 2020 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref>

On March 11, 2021, MCTS announced they selected Nova Bus as the manufacturer of 15 LFSe+ battery-electric buses, 11 of which will be used for the new BRT line. MCTS was the first transit system in the United States to have been awarded a contract for Nova LFSe+ buses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MCTS News |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/who-we-are/news/manufacturer-of-battery-electric-buses |access-date=April 3, 2021 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2021 |title=Milwaukee County Transit System selects Nova Bus to supply 15 electric LFSe+ buses — a first LFSe+ order for Nova Bus in the U.S. |url=https://novabus.com/milwaukee-county-transit-system-selects-nova-bus-supply-15-electric-lfse-buses-first-lfse-order-nova-bus-u-s/ |access-date=April 3, 2021 |website=Novabus |language=en-US}}</ref> The CONNECT 1 officially debuted June 4, 2023. The delivery of the Nova LFSe+ buses has been significantly delayed due to supply chain issues. The first 9 buses were delivered by October 2022. On August 25, 2023, these 9 electric buses were temporarily pulled from service due to a battery recall as a result of a potential manufacturing issue. Nova Bus financed the battery replacements, and all eventually returned to service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilmer |first=Graham |title=Transportation: MCTS Pulling New Battery Electric Buses From the Road |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/08/24/mke-county-mcts-replaces-beb-battery-after-one-month/ |access-date=August 27, 2023 |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, 1009 and 1010 were delivered around October 2023 and 1011 and 1012 were delivered in May 2024. The remaining two buses of the 15-bus order 1013 and 1014 were delivered and put into service in late Summer 2024. The off-board fare equipment was also significantly delayed due to supply chain issues, resulting in an extension of the free fare period for the CONNECT 1 until April 8, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 26, 2023 |title=Battery electric buses return to Milwaukee Co. following battery recall |url=https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/battery-electric-buses-return-to-milwaukee-co-following-battery-recall |accessdate=October 8, 2023 |website=www.tmj4.com |publisher=WTMJ-TV Milwaukee}}</ref> It is estimated that by 2035, MCTS Connect will average more than 9,500 weekday riders, with overall transit ridership in the corridor increasing by 17%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.eastwestbrt.com/ |access-date=January 2, 2019 |website=www.eastwestbrt.com}}</ref> On June 2, 2024, the line was extended to [[The Couture]], stopping at a transit concourse at the base of the building that is shared with [[The Hop]].

== Accolades ==
MCTS is known for its bus drivers doing good deeds around the city of [[Milwaukee]], such as rescuing lost children, helping people with disabilities cross busy streets, and much more. Videos of such acts have gone viral, placing MCTS in the national spotlight. This recognition has resulted in MCTS receiving honors from organizations such as [[PETA]]<ref>[https://cbs58.com/news/peta-honors-mcts-bus-driver-for-saving-turtle "PETA honors MCTS bus driver who saved turtle"] from [[WDJT]] ([[Weigel Broadcasting]]) (July 8, 2019)</ref> to an Innovators Award from the [[American Public Transportation Association]] in July 2019.<ref>[https://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/mcts-excellence-video-series-honored-with-prestigious-national-award/ "‘MCTS Excellence’ Video Series Honored with Prestigious National Award"] from ''Urban Milwaukee'' (July 21, 2019)</ref> MCTS was also featured on a December 2018 episode of [[Inside Edition]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MCTS NEXT |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/programs/mcts-next |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref>

== Bus fleet ==
{{Overly detailed|section|details=|date=January 2024}}

=== Active ===
{|class=wikitable
! Numbers !! Builder !! Model !! Delivered !! <div style="float:left;">Notes</div> 
|-
|-
| 5100-5189 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LFR || August 2010 || First to feature near-zero emissions.
5133, 5163, 5168, 5183, 5189 active. 

Station: Kinnickinnic
|-
| 5200-5234 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LFR || April 2011 || 5217, 5224, 5229, 5230 active.

Station: Fond du Lac
|-
| 5300-5354 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LFR || March 2012 || 5303-5305, 5308, 5310, 5314, 5323, 5328, 5331, 5344, 5346, 5349-5352 active.

Station: Kinnickinnic has 5304 and 5349. All others at Fond du Lac
|-
| 5400-5454 || [[New Flyer]] || XD40 || July 2013 || All active.
Clean air buses; first fleet in MCTS' history to feature rear destination signs on the back of the bus.

Station: Kinnickinnic
|-
| 5500-5534 || [[New Flyer]] || XD40 || January 2014 || 5500, 5502-5512, 5514-5533 active.
5501 retired due to a crash at Teutonia & Silver Spring in 2024. 

5513 retired in February 2025 due to engine problems.

5534 retired from a fire caused by a mechanical failure on April 27, 2024.

Station: Fond du Lac 
|-
| 5600-5627 || [[New Flyer]] || XD40 || October 2015 || All active.
Clean air buses with new interior features, such as an automatically opening electronic smart door at the back of the bus.<ref>riedmcts.com/about-us/news/new-mcts-buses-hitting-the-road</ref> 

5628 & 5629 were canceled due to increased costs. 

5601 was first new bus in service on Route 19 on Friday October 2, 2015.<ref>ridemcts.com/about-us/news/new-mcts-buses-hitting-the-road</ref>

Station: Kinnickinnic
|-
| 5700-5729 || [[New Flyer]] || XD40 || August 2016 || All active.
5713 features a white front LED destination sign. 

5729 features an automatic Quantum wheelchair securement system.

Station: Fond du Lac
|-
| 5800-5814 || [[New Flyer]] || XD40 || August 2017 || All active.
First fleet in MCTS' history to feature aluminum rims.

Station: Fond du Lac 
|-
| 5900-5927 || [[Gillig]] ||  [[Gillig Low Floor#Gillig BRT|Low Floor BRT]] || June 2019 || 5900-5910, 5912-5927 active.

5911 was damaged in an accident on December 17, 2024, at Fond du Lac Avenue & Center Street.

First full fleet in MCTS' history to feature white LED destination signs and MCTS first Gillig order in decades.

Station: Fond du Lac 
|-
| 6000-6022 || [[Gillig]] || Low Floor BRT || June 2020 || 6000-6014, 6016-6022 active.
6015 retired due to damage from a very bad crash on September 11, 2022, at 11th & Mitchell.

Station: Kinnickinnic
|-
| 6100-6113 || [[Gillig]] ||  Low Floor BRT || 2021 || All active
The first part of a 73-bus order.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2022 |title=Milwaukee County Transit System to replace 73 buses with new clean diesel buses by fall |url=https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/milwaukee-county-transit-system-to-replace-73-buses-with-new-clean-diesel-buses-by-fall |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=TMJ4 News |language=en}}</ref>

Station: Fond du Lac
|-
| 6200-6258 || [[Gillig]] ||  Low Floor BRT || 2022 || 6200-6207, 6209-6258 active as of March 2025.
6208 was damaged in a crash on December 21, 2024, at Oakland & Locust.

The second part of a 73-bus order. 

6239, 6249, 6251-6258 were used exclusively for the CONNECT 1 BRT until September 20, 2024, when they started appearing on other routes.

Fond du Lac Station: 6200-6229
Kinnickinnic Station: 6230-6258
|-
| 1000-1014 || [[Nova Bus]] || LFSe+  || November 2022 || 1000-1009, 1011-1014 active.
1010 was totaled in an accident on April 20, 2024, near 35th and Wisconsin Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 21, 2024|title=1 dead, 9 injured after vehicle crashes into MCTS bus|url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/1-dead-9-injured-after-vehicle-crashes-in-mcts-bus|access-date=April 21, 2024|work=CBS 58|language=en}}</ref>

This is Nova Bus' first order for LFSe+ buses in the United States, and Milwaukee's first battery-electric buses. These buses feature USB charging, an automatic Quantum wheelchair securement system, and produce chimes when approaching stops for visually impaired riders. The buses also feature a new light blue paint scheme specifically designed for the CONNECT branding, as opposed to the normal blue, green and yellow MCTS livery.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2022 |title=MCTS CONNECT: MILWAUKEE COUNTY TRANSIT SYSTEM CELEBRATES ARRIVAL OF FIRST BATTERY ELECTRIC BUS |url=http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/mcts-connect-milwaukee-county-transit-system-celebrates-arrival-first-battery-electric-bus/ |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=Milwaukee Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2021 |title=Milwaukee County Transit System selects Nova Bus to supply 15 electric LFSe+ buses — a first LFSe+ order for Nova Bus in the U.S. |url=https://us.novabus.com/blog/2021/03/11/milwaukee-county-transit-system-selects-nova-bus-supply-15-electric-lfse-buses-first-lfse-order-nova-bus-u-s/#:~:text=This%20is%20Nova%20Bus%27%20first,time%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Senator%20Schumer. |access-date=August 13, 2023}}</ref> The first 9 buses were delivered by late 2022, with 1009 and 1010 being delivered around October 2023, and 1011 and 1012 being delivered in May 2024. 1011 entered service on May 5, 2024, and 1012 entered service on May 11, 2024. They run exclusively on the CONNECT 1 BRT.

Station: Kinnickinnic
|-
| 6300-6327 || [[Gillig]] || [[Gillig Low Floor|Advantage]] || 2024<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 13, 2024 |title=MCTS Adds 28 New Buses |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/07/13/transportation-mcts-adds-28-new-buses/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=Urban Milwaukee |language=en}}</ref>|| The new Gilligs are regular Advantage Low Floor models, compared to the 5900-6200 series BRT Low Floors that MCTS previously received. They feature the Quantum automatic wheelchair securement system.
All 28 buses have been delivered and are active.  

Fond du Lac Station: 6300-6313
Kinnickinnic Station: 6314-6327
|-
| 6400-6429 || [[Gillig]] || [[Gillig Low Floor|Advantage]] || 2025 || These buses are expected to retire the remaining 5100-5300 series D40LFRs from 2010-2012. Compared to the current color scheme of blue, green and yellow that was introduced in 2010, the new design incorporates a light / dark blue and yellow color pattern and iconography that will be familiar to Milwaukee residents. The design is intended to conjure the wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Calatrava addition, the curving arch of the Hoan bridge, the golden beer the city is famous for and the blue of Lake Michigan.

Fond du Lac Station: 6400-6414
Kinnickinnic Station: 6415-6429
|}

=== Retired ===
{|class=wikitable
! Numbers !! Builder !! Model !! Delivered !! Withdrawn !! <div style="float:left;">Notes</div>
|-
!colspan=6| Pre-MCTS (ex Transport Co. fleet)
|-
|nowrap| 1320-1483 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM Old-Look TDH-5105 transit bus|TDH-5105]] || 1953-1957 & 1959 || 1980 || 1329 & 1343 painted in UWM black & metallic gold in 1975; 
1335, 1336, 1339, 1406, 1411, 1415, 1421, 1428, 1430, 1432, 1446 & 1456 painted in two-tone county green in late 1975/early 1976. (All were painted for WTMJ Ch. 4 except 1456)

1466, 1467, 1470, 1473, 1474, 1477, 1479, 1481, 1482 & 1483 painted in dark green and white for Downtown ShuttleBug (Route 7) in 1975.

1483 is the last TDH-5105 built (1959)
|-
| 1484-1503 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5301]] || 1960 || 1985 || 
|-
| 1504-1586 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5301]] || 1962 || 1985 || 
|-
| 1601-1675 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5303]] || 1963 || 1986 || 
|-
| 1701-1730 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5303]] || 1964 || 1986 || 
|-
| 1751-1760 || GMC || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5301]] || 1960 || 1985 || Originally operated by [[Triboro Coach]] and acquired in early 1965
|-
| 1761-1770 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5302]] || 1960 || 1985 || Originally operated by [[Triboro Coach]] and acquired in early 1965;

1761 and 1762 were used as sightseeing buses and can be distinguished by their scenic windows.

1761 used at Mitchell Field [Mitchell International Airport after 1986] (1982-1990)
|-
| 1801-1863 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5303]] || 1965 || 1987 || Were in the plan to be rehabilitated and later dropped.
|-
| 1901-1960 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5303]] || 1966 || 2001 || Refurbished in 1982-1987 and repainted into MCTS' white with green stripe except 1911 and 1945, retired early and not rehabilitated.
|-
| 2001-2030 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[GM New Look bus|TDH-5303]] || 1967 || 2001 || Refurbished in 1982-1987 and repainted into MCTS colors except 2024, retired early and not rehabilitated;

2001 was converted into a special bus that was used for handicapped and elderly use (1979-1994);

2003 used as a shuttle at Mitchell International Airport (1996-1998). 
|-
!colspan=6| Post-MCTS (1975 to present)
|-
| 3000-3099 || [[Flxible]] ||nowrap| [[Flxible New Look bus|53102-8-1]] || 1978 || 1991 || First order to feature handicapped seating and lifts and first with air conditioning; introduced MCTS' new color scheme.

3032 used at Mitchell International Airport (1990-1996).

3000 is the last 53102-8-1 built 
|-
| 3100-3249 || [[GMC (automobile)#Buses|GMC]] || [[Rapid Transit Series|RTS-II]] || 1980 || 2000 || First group to display route numbers on right end rear windows. Refurbished in 1987–1990 to add new vertically opening windows and new air conditioning units.
3219-3224 equipped with turbo engines and the only 6 plus a demo.

3120 & 3127 had Cummins engines.
|-
| 3300-3325 || [[Neoplan USA|Neoplan]] || [[Neoplan N416|N416]] || 1982 || 1996 || 40-ft. Ordered with wheelchair lifts which were removed before entering service. Only 76 of this model built, only MCTS & Atlanta (MARTA) had them plus one demo.
|-
| 3326-3343 || [[Neoplan USA|Neoplan]] || N416 || 1982 || 1991 || 35-ft. Only 18 built and for MCTS. 3334 used at Milwaukee County House of Correction as C3334 (1993-1996).
|-
| 3400–3439 || [[Crown-Ikarus]] || [[Crown-Ikarus 286|286]] || 1984<ref name="schultz-mca86">Schultz, Russell E. (May–June 1986). "Milwaukee Part V [of history of transit in that city]: Milwaukee County Transit System, 1975 to 1985". ''Motor Coach Age'', pp. 3–36. [[Motor Bus Society]]. ISSN 0739-117X.</ref> || 2000 || 60-foot [[articulated bus]]es
Very few systems had them, Portland (Tri-Met), Louisville (TARC), Houston and others. 
|-
| 3500-3571 || [[Neoplan USA|Neoplan]] || [[AN440]] || 1985-1986 || 2002 || Second generation; non-wheelchair 
|-
| 3600-3656 || [[Neoplan USA|Neoplan]] || [[AN440]] || 1987 || 2002 || Third generation: longer wheelbase moved rear axle further away from exit door; non-wheelchair.
These series had 2 engine types. 3600-3619 were Cummins while 3620-3656 had Detroit Diesel. 
|-
| 3700-3816 || [[Orion International|Orion]] || 05.501 || 1990-1991 || 2004 || 3700-3801 was the last order without wheelchair lifts; 3802-3816 were assigned to the Metrolink route and were identified by an orange stripe adjacent to MCTS's green; wheelchair lifts; last buses to display route destination numbers on right side rear windows.
|-
| 3900-3911 || [[Gillig]] || Spirit || 1991 || 2001 ||
|-
| 4000-4145 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 1996-1997 || 2011 || A number placed in storage from mid 2009 to early 2010 due to cuts
|-
| 4200-4208 || [[New Flyer]] || D30LF || 1997 || 2010 || Placed in storage in 2008 due to cuts
|-
| 4300-4389 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2000 || 2017 || Originally retired in 2014. 4302, 4304, 4305, 4320, 4329, 4348 returned to service in Jan. 2015.

4305 and 4320 were still active in late 2016 .
|-
| 4400-4468 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2001 || 2015 || Originally retired in 2014. 4417, 4434, 4466 returned to service in Jan. 2015 and re-retired in Sept 2015.

4426, 4439 & 4447 were converted as fare collection buses for Summerfest & Wisconsin State Fair for 2 seasons (2014-2015).

4418 was the only bus in MCTS' history in which a homicide took place on board.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/photos/216309131.html?gallerypage=1 |title=End of the line for city bus No. 4418 |newspaper=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]] |date=July 20, 2013 |accessdate=December 5, 2014}}</ref> 
|-
| 4500-4519 || [[New Flyer]] || D30LF || 2002 || 2012|| 4501, 4507, 4510, 4515-4519 went to Sheboygan after 2012
|-
| 4600-4639 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2002 || 2017 || 4607, 4614, 4617, 4626, 4633, & 4639 were converted as fare collection buses for Summerfest and Wisconsin State Fair for 2 seasons ( 2014-2015 ).
|-
| 4700-4750 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2003 || 2019 || 
|-
| 4800-4829 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2004 || 2019 || 4801 used for a cooling-down spot at Summerfest.
|-
| 4900-4914 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2004 || 2019 || Officially "2005" as that is when they were paid for; a future purchase for 15 more buses (4915-4929) were canceled due to cuts.
|-
| 5000-5008 || [[New Flyer]] || D40LF || 2004 || 2019 || A purchase for 23 buses (5009-5031) were canceled due to cuts.
|-
| 1000-1004 || [[Gillig]] || Advantage || 2002 || 2014 || Used exclusively for Ozaukee County service. Officially retired on June 8, 2014, with 4 examples of this series being purchased by Wausau Transit System to replace buses that had structural problems. Bus 1004 has been out of service before the retirement due to transmission problems 
|-
|}

=== Future ===
[[File:MCTS 6000.jpg|thumb|2020 Gillig BRT Bus 6000 at the MCTS Fleet Maintenance Facility]]
The Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) plans to seek approximately $55.2 million in federal grants for bus replacements to help finance the Milwaukee County Transit System's transition to an electric fleet.  If the county secures the full grant awards MCTS is applying for, that would pay for 32 battery-electric buses and 60 clean-diesel buses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilmer |first=Graham |title=Transportation: Federal Funds Could Finance Transition to Electric Buses |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2022/05/11/transportation-federal-funds-could-finance-transition-to-electric-buses/ |access-date=July 10, 2022 |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2023, Milwaukee County was awarded $8.4 million from the state to support the purchase of 16 battery electric buses (BEBs).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kilmer |first=Graham |title=Transportation: State Gives Milwaukee Federal Money for Electric Buses |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/03/16/transportation-state-gives-milwaukee-money-for-electric-buses/ |access-date=July 2, 2023 |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en}}</ref>

On March 19, 2025,  MCTS introduced a brand new livery that will debut on their upcoming order of 30 Gillig Low Floors numbered in the 6400 series (6400-6429).  These buses are expected to retire the remaining 5100-5300 series D40LFRs from 2010-2012. Compared to the current color scheme of Blue, Green and Yellow that was introduced in 2010... the new design  incorporates a light / dark blue and yellow color pattern and iconography that will be familiar to Milwaukee residents. The design is intended to conjure the wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Calatrava addition, the curving arch of the Hoan bridge, the golden beer the city is famous for and the blue of Lake Michigan.<ref> [https://wtmj.com/news/2025/03/19/mcts-celebrates-50-year-anniversary-with-new-bus-rollout-new-ridership-data/ MCTS celebrates 50-year anniversary with new bus rollout, new ridership data]. March 19, 2025. Adam Roberts. WTMJ</ref>

As of June 6 2025 the 6400 series have all been delivered and placed into service... with the Fond Du Lac Station receiving 6400-6414 and Kinnickinnic Station having 6415-6429    

== Bus routes ==
In January 2012, MCTS introduced three new express bus routes under the brand ''MetroEXpress''. The GreenLine, BlueLine, and RedLine routes have a larger stop spacing than other routes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zeetser|first=David|date=December 1, 2011|title=MCTS Announces Greenline, Blueline, and Redline|url=https://www.planetizen.com/node/52819|access-date=June 23, 2021|website=Planetizen|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=January 25, 2012|title=MCTS Launches New MetroEXpress Bus Service|url=https://uwm.edu/news/mcts-launches-new-metroexpress-bus-service/|access-date=June 23, 2021|website=UWM Report|language=en-US}}</ref>

In August 2014, MCTS launched two new bus routes: Route 6 (New Berlin Industrial Park Express) and Route 279 (Menomonee Falls Industrial Park Express) and were marketed as "JobLines". These bus routes were the result of a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation claiming that the Zoo Interchange reconstruction project was discriminatory in that it only benefitted commuters from the predominantly White suburbs and did not advocate for public transit improvements in the city. As a result, the state spent $13.5 million on transit improvements, $11.5 million of which supported the funding for the routes until 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2012 |title=WisDOT Faces Civil Rights Suit Over $1.7 Billion "Zoo Interchange" — Streetsblog USA |url=https://usa.streetsblog.org/2012/08/17/wisdot-faces-civil-rights-suit-over-1-7-billion-zoo-interchange |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=usa.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DOT to spend $13.5 million on transit to settle lawsuit |url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/state-to-spend-135-million-on-transit-to-settle-zoo-interchange-suit-b99273749z1-259843881.html |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=www.jsonline.com |language=en}}</ref> Route 6 traveled from Port Washington Road & Capitol Drive, along Capitol Drive, Mayfair Road, Bluemound Road, and Moorland Road through the New Berlin Industrial Park to Buy Seasons in New Berlin. Route 279 traveled along Fond Du Lac Avenue from 35th Street to the Park Place Business Park, and then on to the Menomonee Falls Business Park to Pilgrim Road P+R Lot.

On January 18, 2015, the number 10 route was withdrawn. The route, which dated back to the 1920s, was the last [[streetcar]] in Milwaukee on its conversion to bus operation in 1958.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 21, 2015|title=MTCS retires Route 10 name, ending a century of transit history|url=https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/route10end|access-date=June 23, 2021|website=OnMilwaukee}}</ref> Two express services (GoldLine and PurpleLine) were introduced, with the PurpleLine offering express service on 27th Street from Glendale to Franklin, and the GoldLine effectively replacing Route 10 service from Brookfield to Downtown Milwaukee, and also being aligned with Route 30 to serve UWM. Route 61, a third "JobLine", was also introduced, which traveled from 35th Street & Capitol Drive, and ran northwest along Keefe Avenue, Appleton Avenue, Silver Spring Drive, Falls Parkway, and County Line Road to Germantown [[Walmart]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 2, 2015|title=MCTS introduces new MetroEXpress bus service and associated route changes|url=https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/mctsnewchangedroutes|access-date=June 23, 2021|website=OnMilwaukee}}</ref> Route 279 was eliminated on August 27, 2016, because of extremely low ridership. The remaining funding for the route was reallocated into Routes 6 and 61.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discontinued bus route draws protest |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2016/08/19/discontinued-bus-route-draws-protest/88996220/ |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=Journal Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2018, the system operated 59 routes with 5,190 bus stops. In December 2018, it was announced that Routes 6 and 61 were retiring due to the end of the Zoo Interchange settlement funding. Both routes were retired by January 6, 2019, with Route 57 being reconfigured to still serve Waukesha County and Germantown Walmart, effectively replacing Route 61, until funding expiration on August 24, 2019.
<ref>{{cite web |title=2018 Year in Review |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2018-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf?lang=en-US |website=Milwaukee County Transit System |access-date=April 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/routes-schedules|title = Routes & Schedules}}</ref> This temporary extension was a result of additional funds being appropriated by Milwaukee County.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Route 57's 'JobLines' Extension into Waukesha County Ends August 24 |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/who-we-are/news/route-57-joblines |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref> In 2020, MCTS operated 48 routes with 4,591 bus stops.<ref>{{cite web|title=2020 Year in Review|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/who-we-are/2020-MCTS-Annual-Report.pdf?lang=en-US|access-date=April 21, 2021|website=Milwaukee County Transit System}}</ref>

All freeway flyer routes, including Routes 79, 137 and 143, in addition to the Cream Puff Line (service to [[Wisconsin State Fair]]), the Summerfest Shuttle (informally Route 7) and the Brewers Line (service to Brewers games at [[American Family Field]]) were formally eliminated towards the end of 2022 due to a projected budget shortfall in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2022 |title=MCTS changes will affect freeway flyers, and buses to Brewers, State Fair and Summerfest |url=https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/mcts-route-changes |access-date=February 26, 2023 |website=OnMilwaukee}}</ref> The 3 UBUS routes have continued normal operation. MCTS provided two Summerfest freeway flyers in 2023, Route 40S, operating from the College Avenue Park and Ride lots, and Route 49S, operating from the Brown Deer Road East Park and Ride Lot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ride MCTS {{!}} Summerfest & Other Festivals |url=https://www.ridemcts.com/routes-schedules/summerfest |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=www.ridemcts.com}}</ref>

The CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit route officially began June 4, 2023, providing service between Downtown Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center via Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee and Bluemound Road in Wauwatosa. It was the first BRT route in the state of Wisconsin joined a year later in 2024 by the [[Madison Metro Transit|Metro Transit]] Rapid A route in [[Madison, WI|Madison]]. 

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Milwaukee County Transit System – Summerfest Flyer Bus Routes
|-
! Route No.
! Name
! First Stop
! Last Stop
|-
| '''40S'''
| College Ave Summerfest Flyer
| College Ave P+R Lots (Northeast & Southwest)
| Summerfest Chicago Harbor
|-
| '''43S'''
| Hales Corners Summerfest Flyer 
| Hales Corners P+R Lot 
| Summerfest Chicago Harbor
|-
| '''49S'''
| Brown Deer Rd Summerfest Flyer
| Brown Deer Rd East P+R Lot
| Summerfest Chicago Harbor
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Milwaukee County Transit System – Current Bus Routes
|-
! Route No.
! Name
! First Stop
! Last Stop
|-
| '''BlueLine'''
| Fond du Lac-Mill
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Fond du Lac/Hampton
124th/Bradley
|-
| '''GreenLine'''
| Bayshore-Airport (via Oakland-Howell)
| General Mitchell Int'l Airport
| Bayshore Town Center
|-
| '''PurpleLine'''
| 27th Street
| College-Walmart
Drexel-IKEA

Loomis/29th
| Bayshore Town Center
|-
| '''RedLine'''
| Capitol Drive
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| 127th/Capitol Pick 'N Save
|-
| '''CONNECT 1 BRT'''
| Wisconsin-Bluemound Bus Rapid Transit
| The Couture
| Watertown Plank P&R
|-
| '''11'''
| Hampton Avenue
| Hampton/Green Bay
| Hampton/124th
|-
| '''12'''
| Teutonia Avenue
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Service Road/Schroeder
|-
| '''14'''
| Humboldt Boulevard
| Wisconsin/Cass
| Bayshore Town Center
|-
| '''15'''
| Holton-Kinnickinnic
| Chicago/Drexel
| Richards/Capitol
|-
| '''18'''
| National-Greenfield
| Milwaukee School of Engineering Viet Field (Broadway/Knapp)
| Beyond Vision VisAbility Center (108th/Lapham)
Industries for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Greenfield/124th
|-
| '''19'''
| Dr. MLK Drive-S. 13th
| Zellman Court (13th/College)
Oak Creek (Centennial-Target)
| Florist/Teutonia
|-
| '''20'''
| S. 20th Street
| College-Walmart
| 2nd/National
|-
| '''21'''
| North Avenue
| Lake Drive/Water Tower
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Mayfair Mall
|-
| '''22'''
| Center Street
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| 124th/North Ave
|-
| '''24'''
| Forest Home-16th
| Northway (60th)/Grange 
Southridge Mall
| MCTS Admin Bldg (17th/Fond du Lac)
|-
| '''28'''
| 108th Street
| 108th/Grange
| Lovers Lane/Silver Spring
|-
| '''30'''
| Sherman-Mill
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Woolworth-Mill/Sherman
|-
| '''31'''
| State-Highland
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Mayfair Mall
|-
| '''33'''
| Vliet-84th
| Wisconsin/Cass
| National/79th
|-
| '''34''' (Giannis Line)
| Hopkins-Congress
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| 92nd/Grantosa
|- 
| '''35'''
| 35th Street
| Layton/60th
| Good Hope/Teutonia
|-
| '''51'''
| Oklahoma Avenue
| New York-Delaware/Oklahoma
| Oklahoma/124th
|-
| '''52'''
| Clement-Pennsylvania
| Herman/Kinnickinnic
| Lake Drive/Kelly Senior Center
|-
| '''53'''
| Lincoln Avenue
| Bay/Conway
| Lincoln/114th
|-
| '''54'''
| Burnham-Mitchell
| Holt/Chase
| National/112th
|-
| '''55'''
| Layton Avenue
| Layton/107th
| Lake Drive/Kelly Senior Center
Lipton/Kinnickinnic
|-
| '''56'''
| Greenfield-S. 43rd
| 1st/Mitchell
| Loomis/29th
|-
| '''57'''
| Walnut-Appleton
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Lovers Lane/Silver Spring
|-
| '''58'''
| Villard Avenue
| Green Bay/Hampton
| Silver Spring/Lovers Lane
|-
| '''60'''
| 60th Street
| Layton/60th
| Brown Deer Road/66th-Walmart
|-
| '''63'''
| Silver Spring Drive
| Bayshore Town Center
| Lovers Lane/Silver Spring
|-
| '''66'''
| Burleigh Street
| Humboldt/Locust
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Mayfair Mall
|-
| '''68'''
| Port Washington Road
| Fratney/Capitol
| Brown Deer East P&R
|-
| '''76'''
| 76th Street
| Southridge Mall
| Northridge Lakes/76th
|-
| '''80'''
| 6th St-Green Bay Ave
| General Mitchell Int'l Airport
MATC South Campus via Airport
| Teutonia/Good Hope
|-
| '''81'''
| Amazon-Oak Creek
| Amazon MKE2 (Bartel Court)
| Fond du Lac/35th-Burleigh (MCTS FDL Station)
|-
| '''88'''
| Brown Deer Road
| Service Road/Schroeder
| 124th/Bradley
|-
| '''92'''
| 92nd Street
| Layton/87th (84 South)
| Brown Deer Rd/107th
|-
| '''HF1'''
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy via Rt. 12
| Villard/Hopkins
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
|-
| '''HF2'''
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy via BlueLine & Rt. 30
| 43rd/Silver Spring
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
|-
| '''RR1'''
| Ronald Reagan High School via Rt. 19
| Silver Spring/35th
6th/Wisconsin
| Ronald Reagan High School
|-
| '''RR2'''
| Ronald Reagan High School via PurpleLine
| Layton Blvd (27th)/National
| Ronald Reagan High School
|-
| '''RR3'''
| Ronald Reagan High School via BlueLine & Rt. 20
| Fond du Lac/Congress
| Ronald Reagan High School
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Milwaukee County Transit System – Future Bus Routes (as of Aug. 24, 2025)
|-
! Route No.
! Name
! First Stop
! Last Stop
|-
| '''BlueLine'''
| Fond du Lac-Mill
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Mill/76th
|-
| '''GreenLine'''
| Bayshore-Airport (via Oakland-Howell)
| General Mitchell Int'l Airport
| Bayshore Town Center
|-
| '''PurpleLine'''
| 27th Street
| College-Walmart
Loomis/29th
| Bayshore Town Center
|-
| '''RedLine'''
| Capitol Drive
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| 127th/Capitol Pick 'N Save
|-
| '''CONNECT 1 BRT'''
| Wisconsin-Bluemound Bus Rapid Transit
| The Couture
| Watertown Plank P&R
|-
| '''11'''
| Hampton Avenue
| Hampton/Green Bay
| Hampton/124th
|-
| '''12'''
| Teutonia Avenue
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Service Road/Schroeder
|-
| '''14'''
| Humboldt Boulevard
| 17th/Wisconsin
| Bayshore Town Center
|-
| '''15'''
| Holton-Kinnickinnic
| Chicago/Drexel
| Richards/Capitol
|-
| '''18'''
| National-Greenfield
| Milwaukee School of Engineering Viet Field (Broadway/Knapp)
| Beyond Vision VisAbility Center (108th/Lapham)
Industries for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Greenfield/124th
|-
| '''19'''
| Dr. MLK Drive-S. 13th
| Zellman Court (13th/College)
| Florist/Teutonia
|-
| '''20'''
| S. 20th Street
| Edgerton/27th
| 2nd/National
|-
| '''21'''
| North Avenue
| Lake Drive/Water Tower
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Mayfair Mall
|-
| '''22'''
| Center Street
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| 124th/North Ave
|-
| '''24'''
| Forest Home-16th
| Northway (60th)/Grange 
Southridge Mall
| MCTS Admin Bldg (17th/Fond du Lac)
|-
| '''28'''
| 108th Street
| 108th/Grange
| Lovers Lane/Silver Spring
|-
| '''30'''
| Sherman-Mill
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Florist/Teutonia
|-
| '''31'''
| State-Highland
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Mayfair Mall
|-
| '''33'''
| Vliet-84th
| Wisconsin/Cass
| National/79th
|-
| '''34''' (Giannis Line)
| Hopkins-Congress
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| 92nd/Grantosa
|- 
| '''35'''
| 35th Street
| Layton/60th
| Good Hope/Teutonia
|-
| '''51'''
| Oklahoma Avenue
| New York-Delaware/Oklahoma
| Oklahoma/124th
|-
| '''52'''
| Clement-Pennsylvania
| Holt/Chase
| Chicago/Drexel
|-
| '''53'''
| Lincoln Avenue
| Bay/Conway
| Lincoln/114th
|-
| '''54'''
| Burnham-Mitchell
| Holt/Chase
| National/112th
|-
| '''55'''
| Layton Avenue
| Layton/107th
| Lake Drive/Kelly Senior Center
Lipton/Kinnickinnic
|-
| '''56'''
| Greenfield-S. 43rd
| 1st/Mitchell
| Loomis/29th
|-
| '''57'''
| Walnut-Appleton
| Milwaukee Intermodal Station
| Lovers Lane/Silver Spring
|-
| '''58'''
| Villard Avenue
| Green Bay/Florist
| Villard/Appleton
|-
| NEW '''59'''
| Drexel Avenue
| College-Walmart
| Chicago/Drexel
|-
| '''60'''
| 60th Street
| Layton/60th
| Brown Deer Road/66th-Walmart
|-
| '''63'''
| Silver Spring Drive
| Bayshore Town Center
| Lovers Lane/Silver Spring
|-
| '''66'''
| Burleigh Street
| Humboldt/Locust
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Mayfair Mall
|-
| '''68'''
| Port Washington Road
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
| Brown Deer East P&R
|-
| NEW '''73'''
| Mill Road
| Florist/Teutonia
| Brown Deer Rd/107th
|-
| NEW '''74'''
| 43rd Street
| Loomis/29th
| 35th/Wells
|-
| '''76'''
| 76th Street
| Southridge Mall
| Northridge Lakes/76th
|-
| '''80'''
| 6th St-Green Bay Ave
| General Mitchell Int'l Airport
MATC South Campus via Airport
| Teutonia/Good Hope
|-
| '''81'''
| Amazon-Oak Creek
| Amazon MKE2 (Bartel Court)
| Fond du Lac/35th-Burleigh (MCTS FDL Station)
|-
| '''88'''
| Brown Deer Road
| Service Road/Schroeder
| 124th/Bradley
|-
| '''92'''
| 92nd Street
| Layton/87th (84 South)
| Brown Deer Rd/107th
|-
| '''HF1'''
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy via Rt. 12
| Villard/Hopkins
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
|-
| '''HF2'''
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy via BlueLine & Rt. 30
| 43rd/Silver Spring
| Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
|-
| '''RR1'''
| Ronald Reagan High School via Rt. 19
| Silver Spring/35th
6th/Wisconsin
| Ronald Reagan High School
|-
| '''RR2'''
| Ronald Reagan High School via PurpleLine
| Layton Blvd (27th)/National
| Ronald Reagan High School
|-
| '''RR3'''
| Ronald Reagan High School via BlueLine & Rt. 20
| Fond du Lac/Congress
| Ronald Reagan High School
|-
|}

== Other projects ==

=== North-South Transit Enhancement Project ===
Currently, Milwaukee County, MCTS, and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) are engaged in a study of the 27th Street Corridor. A considerable number of jobs, shopping centers, and medical facilities are along this corridor, currently served by the PurpleLine. This project plans to enhance transit along 27th Street by re-imagining the PurpleLine as a BRT line, which would add a second route to the CONNECT BRT system. While the current PurpleLine is already a pseudo-express route, it does not offer authentic express service for the majority of the route, as on average, stops are {{convert|0.2|mi|ft km m}} apart. This is one of the aspects of transit in this corridor that this project will address.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home {{!}} Milwaukee North-South Transit Enhancement Study|url=https://www.mkenorthsouth.com/|access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=North-South Transit Study|language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, this project aims to address racial inequalities in the transit system, reduce reckless driving along 27th Street, attract new riders, and overall improve the quality of transit in this corridor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Milwaukee North-South Transit Enhancement Project |url=https://www.mkenorthsouth.com/ |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=North-South Transit Study |language=en}}</ref>

The recommended route was developed during the feasibility study, which concluded in 2022. This new, 18-mile route would travel from Bayshore Mall in Glendale to the Oak Creek [[IKEA]] via Silver Spring, Teutonia and 27th Street, serving 33 stops in each direction, including St. Luke's Medical Center at 27th and Oklahoma, two [[Walmart]] stores, one at 27th and Ohio and another near 27th and Sycamore, and the [[Northwestern Mutual]] Franklin Campus near 27th and Drexel. This corridor features nearly 50,000 jobs, 2,500 businesses, 4 major medical facilities, 63 K-12 schools, 36 grocery and big-box discount stores, and 12 community resource centers. MCTS began the environmental review and design phase of the project in 2023, which was expected to conclude in 2025.

However in late August 2024, Milwaukee County officials recommended and later approved the shelving of the Connect 2 project for an indeterminate amount of time due to budgetary concerns. The pausing of the project according to County Supervisors will allow MCTS to remain financially solvent until 2028. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Milwaukee North-South Transit Enhancement Project |url=https://www.mkenorthsouth.com/ |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=North-South Transit Study |language=en}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilmer |first1=Graham |title=Transportation: Canceled BRT Project Saves MCTS Budget Until 2028 |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/09/04/transportation-cancelled-brt-project-saves-mcts-budget-until-2028/#:~:text=In%20August%2C%20the%20transit%20system,along%20the%2027th%20Street%20corridor. |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en}}</ref>

== Ridership ==

{| class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center; width:520px; margin:auto;"
|+
|-
! style="width:50px"| !! style="width:100px"| Ridership !! style="width:100px"| Change over previous year
|-
!2010<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2010-Annual-Report-Final.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2010 Annual Report}}</ref>
|44,065,845 || n/a
|-
!2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2011-MCTS-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2011 Service Statistics}}</ref>
|44,753,412 || {{increase}}{{0}}1.56%
|-
!2012<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2012-MCTS-Annual-Report-FINAL-2.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2012 Service Statistics}}</ref>
|44,049,428 || {{decrease}}{{0}}1.57%
|-
!2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2013-MCTS-Annual-Statistics.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2013 Service Statistics}}</ref>
|43,008,924 || {{decrease}}{{0}}2.36%
|-
!2014<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2014-MCTS-Annual-Report.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2014 Service Statistics}}</ref>
|40,028,664 || {{decrease}}{{0}}6.93%
|-
!2015<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/MCTS-One-Sheet-Overview.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2015 Annual Statistics}}</ref>
|39,313,138 || {{decrease}}{{0}}1.79%
|-
!2016<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2016-MCTS-One-Sheet-(1).pdf?lang=en-US|title=2016 Annual Statistics}}</ref>
|40,256,308 || {{increase}}{{0}}2.40%
|-
!2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/Final-2017-MCTS-One-Sheet-(1).pdf?lang=en-US|title=2017 Annual Statistics}}</ref>
|34,606,044 || {{decrease}}{{0}}14.04%
|-
!2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2018-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2018 Annual Report}}</ref>
|30,429,788 || {{decrease}}{{0}}12.07%
|-
!2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/About-MCTS/2019-Annual-Report.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2019 Annual Report}}</ref>
|28,972,674 || {{decrease}}{{0}}4.79%
|-
!2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/who-we-are/MCTS-Annual-Report-2020.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2020 Annual Report}}</ref>
|15,595,089 || {{decrease}}{{0}}46.17%
|-
!2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getmedia/9083bf6a-c971-466f-bf6b-4426251c30b7/2021-Annual-Report.pdf|title=2021 Annual Report}}</ref>
|14,356,646 || {{decrease}}{{0}}7.94%
|-
!2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/who-we-are/2022-Annual-Report-(2).pdf?lang=en-US|title=2022 Annual Report}}</ref>
|15,557,421 || {{increase}}{{0}}8.36%
|-
!2023{{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
|17,137,300 || {{increase}}{{0}}11.31%
|-
!2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ridemcts.com/getattachment/who-we-are/Annual-Report_2024-V14.pdf?lang=en-US|title=2022 Annual Report}}</ref>
|25,300,649 || {{increase}}{{0}}47.6%
|-
|}

== See also ==
* [[Milwaukee Streetcar]]
* [[List of bus transit systems in the United States]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Milwaukee County Transit System}}
* [http://www.ridemcts.com/ Official website]
{{Milwaukee}}
{{Southeast Wisconsin Transit System}}
{{Wisconsin public transit}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Transportation in Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1975]]
[[Category:Transit authorities with alternative-fuel vehicles]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Wisconsin]]