Milwaukee Miller Lite Free Rides; celebrate new year responsibly

MILWAUKEE - In partnership with Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), the Miller Lite Free Rides program returns to Milwaukee as people ring in the new year.

The program got its start in 1988 and provides residents with free transportation to celebrate the new year responsibly. Molson Coors officials said, in the 35 years it's been around, more than one million free rides have been provided – including 3,000 last year.

"We had our largest year in 2022 of free rides and hoping to continue that for 2023 and beyond," said Alison Hanrahan, Molson Coors community affairs manager.

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Select MCTS buses will have a new look ahead of the new year to help riders stay aware of the free trips.

"You don't want to be behind a wheel on New Year's Eve especially if you are drinking," said Kristina Hoffman, MCTS director of marketing and communications. "There's a route for everyone celebrating."

When riders hop on a bus, two signs will let them know that fare is free.

"It provides a safe opportunity for us to be the designated driver so you can get on the bus and enjoy your night safely," Hoffman said.

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Rides on all MCTS routes will be free on from 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1. Those routes include:

• CONNECT 1 BRT
• Route 14
• Route 18 (Broadway and Knapp to 79th and National)
• Route 21
• Route 24
• Route 30
• PURPLELINE (Bayshore to 27th and Loomis)
• BLUELINE (5th and Clybourn to Fond du Lac and Constance)
• GREENLINE

Visit the MCTS website to find the most popular routes. You can also download the UMO app to plan and track your bus in real-time.