Milwaukee County officials announce suspension of MCTS bus fares

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County officials on Thursday, March 26 announced they're suspending fare collection on Milwaukee County Transit System buses -- and ordering riders to enter through the rear door only, unless they need assistance with a mobility device or other ADA accommodation.

MCTS officials noted suspending fare collection limits the interaction between riders and bus drivers.

The announcement came during a 4 p.m. briefing by Milwaukee County officials on the coronavirus pandemic.

“While Congress works to create a new Federal Transit Administration grant program to help transit systems sustain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, MCTS is doing its part to help ensure continuation of mass transit in Milwaukee County in this time of need,” said MCTS Managing Director Dan Boehm in a news release.

MCTS will suspend fare collection starting 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

A group of seven Milwaukee County supervisors submitted a proposal to Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele on Monday, March 23 to make this happen.

On March 20, MCTS officials announced a reduction in bus service due to COVID-19 starting March 23.

Until further notice, buses that operate Mondays through Fridays will begin using a schedule that is similar to the one used by MCTS on Saturdays. This adjustment means that Freeway Flyers – including Route 143: Ozaukee County Express – will not be operating. Weekend schedules remain unchanged with one exception; Route 137 will not operate to the House of Correction.

Riders can check the Ride MCTS app, RideMCTS.com and Google Maps for real-time bus arrival information that will reflect this updated schedule.

A news release from MCTS noted public transportation is considered ‘essential infrastructure’ by federal, state and local officials. To prevent community spread of COVID-19, health officials and MCTS are asking anyone who uses public transportation during the current health emergency to limit non-essential travel, leave at least six feet of space between themselves and others (including bus drivers), and follow proper hygiene recommendations like washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.

The release outlined steps taken by MCTS since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic:

MCTS implemented an extra daily disinfection process on all buses using EPA-approved and CDC-recommended cleaning products. That’s in addition to the standard cleaning that vehicles receive on a regular basis.