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Transit Plus
 

The Transit Plus program provides paratransit service for individuals with a disabling illness or condition which prevents them from using fixed route bus service.

MCTS contracts with First Transit and Transit Express to provide ADA accessible van service and American United to provide taxi service to eligible paratransit riders.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by two factors:

  • A person with a disability who cannot independently board, ride or get off a bus.
  • A person whose disability-related condition or environmental barrier makes it impossible to independently travel to or from a fixed route bus stop.

These are the only criteria used to determine paratransit eligibility. Personal safety, behavioral problems, age, social security status or other issues are not considered in determining eligibility.

Contact Transit Plus

Let us know if we can be of assistance. You can contact MCTS Transit Plus Staff Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in any of the following ways. 

  • EMAIL – tpcomments@mcts.org
  • CALL – General Information: 414-343-1700 (Voice) or 711 (TRS) 

FAQs

Milwaukee County’s paratransit program, commonly known as Transit Plus, is administered by MCTS staff. We contract with First Transit and Transit Express to provide ADA accessible van service to eligible paratransit riders. For questions about rides, please contact your assigned van provider directly.

How do I qualify for Transit Plus?

To qualify for Transit Plus, you must be a person with a disability who cannot independently board, ride or get off a bus. Or, you must be a person whose disability-related condition or environmental barrier makes it impossible to independently travel to or from a fixed route bus stop.

How do I apply for Transit Plus?

Click here for steps on how to apply.

Who do I ride with?

If you live north of Capitol Drive, or in Shorewood, your assigned van provider is Transit Express. If you live south of Capitol Drive, your assigned van provider is First Transit.

How do I schedule or cancel a ride?

Please call your assigned van company, either First Transit 414-817-9860 or Transit Express 414-264-7433 ext 3 to schedule, cancel or check the status of a ride.

  • Van reservations are taken 7 days a week, 365 days per year from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
  • Reservations must be made by 4:30 p.m. the day before your desired trip and can be made up to 7 days in advance.
  • Please call at least two hours before your scheduled pick up to cancel a ride.
How long should I expect to wait for the van?

Transit Plus has a 30-minute arrival "window" from the time of your scheduled pick up. For example, if your pickup is scheduled for 9:00 AM, your van is considered on time if it arrives between 9:00 – 9:30 AM.

How long will the driver wait for me?

Once a vehicle arrives at your pickup location, the driver can only wait 5 minutes for you before having to move on to service other riders. The driver also cannot wait while you go inside a location to take care of your business.

How long can my van ride take?

Transit Plus van service is intended to be comparable to Milwaukee County Transit System's fixed route bus service. Van service is a shared ride and the length of your van ride can be as long as it would take to make the same trip by fixed route bus. Generally speaking, the longer the distance of your trip, the longer your van ride will take. Please allow enough travel time to get to your important appointments on time. The duration of a van trip is different than what it would take to travel by automobile.

How much assistance will the driver provide?

Transit Plus drivers provide escorted service from the first exterior door to first exterior door. They can also help someone using a wheelchair up or down one step. Additionally, they will help carry two parcels weighing no more than a total of 40 pounds, on and off the van

Where can I go with Transit Plus service?

You can travel throughout all of Milwaukee County for any trip purpose 365 days per year. There are a few limited locations outside of Milwaukee County where travel may be possible. Click here to see the Transit Plus service area map.

How much does a van ride cost?

The fare for a one-way van trip is $4.00. Please have a Transit Plus ticket or exact cash fare ready. The van drivers do not make change. Note: The fare charged to long term care agencies is higher.

Where do I buy Transit Plus Tickets?

Transit Plus tickets come in books of 10 for $40 and can be purchased by mail or in person from the MCTS Administration Building (1942 N 17th Street). The ticket window is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. You may also call 414-343-1700 to order tickets over the phone with a credit card.

Can I bring someone along with me on the van?

Yes. You must reserve a seat for any additional passengers. A companion rides at the same rate as you do ($4 each way). If your eligibility status includes a PCA (personal care assistant), you can bring a PCA at no additional charge.

Can I bring a service animal?

You are allowed to bring an animal along if the animal is specifically trained to complete a certain task(s) for you. The animal must be on a leash and kept under control at all times. An emotional support animal is not considered a service animal and would need to ride in a crate on your lap.