MCTS to resume bus fare collection, front door boarding on June 1

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced Tuesday, May 26, that it will resume fare collection and front door boarding on all buses and on paratransit vehicles providing Transit Plus rides starting at 4:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020.

MCTS is recommending that riders who are medically able to wear a face mask or face covering over their nose and mouth while on board. To help maintain social distancing, MCTS will continue to limit riders to 10 per bus.

MCTS asks riders to be respectful to bus drivers and other passengers by remembering the following:

Fares are needed given the rising costs and lost revenue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. MCTS is an essential service that has been proven indispensable for people to reach essential jobs and critical destinations since COVID-19 became prevalent in Milwaukee County.

Overall, Milwaukee County has seen $40 million in costs directly associated with COVID-19, such as providing personal protective equipment for employees, enhancing cleaning and sanitation practices, and setting up a temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Milwaukee County projects $100 million in lost revenues by the end of 2020. This includes revenue from sales tax, property taxes, and program revenues from the zoo, parks, airport and transit.

Meanwhile, the need for County services has increased significantly as a consequence of COVID-19, which has disproportionately impacted Milwaukee County residents and communities of color. Milwaukee County continues to work with our State and Federal partners to secure funding for these essential services, including transit.

More information about MCTS and COVID-19 is posted at RideMCTS.com/Coronavirus.