Today, Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announces Wisconsin’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, called CONNECT 1, delivered approximately 16,800 rides the first week of service from June 4 through June 10, 2023.
“We are thrilled with the early results on CONNECT and appreciate all of the positive comments we’ve received about our new BRT line,” said MCTS President and Managing Director Denise Wandke. “Thanks go out to all our supporters who have championed this project: elected officials, business leaders, transit advocates, and our dedicated riders.”
“By modernizing transit, the BRT provides Milwaukee County with the transportation options people need to get to work, school and appointments more quickly and efficiently. With sustainable funding, the County could continue to see the positive economic impact transit has on the businesses and destinations that transit brings people to,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
MCTS CONNECT 1: Week One At-a-Glance
- CONNECT 1 carries an average of 2,800 rides per weekday
- The top CONNECT 1 destinations are below:
- Downtown Milwaukee – 700 rides per day
- Marquette University – 500 rides per day
- Milwaukee Regional Medical Center – 200 rides per day
- The most popular station is at Water Street, with 300 rides a day.
- CONNECT 1 riders are also taking advantage of the connection to Waukesha’s Metro Route 1 to access jobs and services in Waukesha County. Metro 1 ridership has increased from approximately 300 rides per day to 700.
- Approximately 20 people who use mobility devices ride CONNECT 1 per day.
- The mixed BRT fleet consists of seven battery electric buses and 5 clean diesels, with more buses added during peak times.
Rides on CONNECT 1 are free through September 30, 2023, thanks to a partnership with Umo Mobility. For more information, please visit RideMCTS.com/CONNECT.