(The Center Square) — Some of the people who ride the bus in Milwaukee could soon be paying a lot more after County Executive David Crowley announced he signed a new MCTS service plan for 2026.
Crowley called the service plan an investment “in public transportation that reinforces our shared commitment to protecting essential services while balancing fiscal responsibility.”
“Working families who rely on our bus system will still have access to this essential service,” he added.
Crowley said the new plan “addresses MCTS’ budget deficit through targeted adjustments in service frequency on select routes during non-peak hours,” as opposed to across-the-board route cuts.
Crowley announced that Milwaukee County is using $9 million in remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, and $4.7 million in funding that “was approved by the County Board to maximize service levels while minimizing disruptions to the community.”
Some of that money will come from riders. Crowley’s plan relies on across-the-board fare increases.
MCTS will, on Thursday, increase the cost for a single ride from $2 to $2.75. In addition, MCTS will increase the daily fare cap from $5 to $8. The weekly cap will jump from $20 to $33, and the monthly fare cap will increase from $75 to $99.
Crowley said MCTS is facing a $14 million shortfall in 2026. In part because many people simply don’t pay to ride Milwaukee County’s buses.
MCTS said earlier this year that as many 33% of riders refuse to pay a fare.
Crowley and other county leaders said they hope to get that number down to 30% by the end of 2026.
