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Please note that: MCTS continues to limit riders to 10 per bus, fare collection and front door boarding has resumed, riders are strongly encouraged to wear masks while on board, and the MCTS Administration Building is closed to visitors. Read more here.

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What is MCTS NEXT?

Faster service

More connections

Increased Accessibility

Redesigning routes for the future of transit in Milwaukee County. 

MCTS NEXT is a new way of looking at transit. We’re examining how we can provide faster service with more connections and increased accessibility. We’re also looking at making transit easier to use. 

At its core, MCTS NEXT is about creating more high frequency bus routes. By increasing transit service in busy corridors, we can help more people get to work, school and everywhere they are going faster and easier.

Benefits of Redesigning Routes 

Current riders

Frequency:

Buses come more often

Transfers:

Less waiting when transferring between routes

Speed:

Shorter overall travel times for many trips

Milwaukee Community

Access:

More residents will have access to a bus route that arrives every 15 minutes (or better)

Simplicity:

A new network of frequent bus routes will be easier for riders to understand

Efficiency:

Frequent routes cost MCTS significantly less to operate per passenger, ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely

 

The Latest

  • Click here for the latest update and next steps as we work toward moving MCTS NEXT from plan to implementation.
  • As always, your feedback is important! Please fill out this contact form or leave a comment directly on our latest Recommended System Map.
  • Here's a quick look at what you've told us so far!
  • To learn about MCTS NEXT from previous Open House sessions and watch a webinar with our transit planners, click here.

MCTS NEXT Highlights

See the Recommended System Map

Watch Route-by-Route Panel Discussion Video

Watch High Frequency Network Discussion Video

Español: 2020 MCTS NEXT Descripción General

Español: Resumen de Rutas de Alta Frecuencia

 

 

How MCTS NEXT Works

 

Check out how MCTS NEXT works

MCTS NEXT Fact Sheet

See the impact of redesigns in other cities

Expanding High Frequency Service

 

The animated GIFs below serve as a visual aide to clearly compare where service is changing in MCTS NEXT and to show the expansion of High Frequency service across Milwaukee County.

Entire System Comparison:

High Frequency Network Comparison:

High Frequency Connections:

FAQs

What are the goals of MCTS NEXT?

By comprehensively reviewing the network, MCTS will understand how to better serve our existing and potential riders. The program will provide more frequent service on busy corridors, more connections overall and better accessibility for more riders than we do today. More high frequency bus routes reduce travel times for current riders and attract new riders. 

How much does it cost?

MCTS NEXT is a reimagining of the MCTS route network using current budget constraints. For the purposes of this project, we do not anticipate any additional funding. However we do assume that future budgets will allow us to continue to offer at least the same amount of service we do today. 

Will MCTS NEXT make my trip shorter?

The goal of MCTS NEXT is to speed up travel times on the vast majority of trips taken.

How does the plan address the Park and Ride System

The focus on MCTS NEXT is the seven day a week fixed route service that comprises 90% of MCTS service. Freeway Flyers, UBUSes, and Summerfest and State Fair service are not part of the analysis. 

How does the plan address ParaTransit services?

MCTS ParaTransit services will remain unchanged as a result of the MCTS NEXT plan. 

I missed the Open Houses, what can I do?

For those who couldn't attend our Open House sessions in person, we also hosted a webinar on Facebook and Crowdcast. Did you miss that too? No problem! Watch it by clicking here.

We want your feedback! Please submit your thoughts on MCTS NEXT by viewing our Recommended System Map and leaving a comment directly on the map or by clicking here and filling out the contact form.