Transit Plus

Our Transit Plus program is a paratransit service for individuals with a disabling illness or condition which prevents them from using our fixed route 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.

Application Process

To apply for our Transit Plus service, please follow these steps.

1. View, download, and print the Eligibility Application;
   1. Eligibility Application
      1. En español
2. Fully complete Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Eligibility Application;
3. Have your medical provider fully complete Part 4;
4. Return the entire completed application in one of the following ways:

   Mail: 
   Transit Plus
   1942 N 17th Street 
   Milwaukee WI 53205

   Email: 
   TPlusApplications@mcts.org

   In-Person:
   8:30am – 4:00pm
   Monday-Friday
   Transit Plus Office
   1942 N. 17th Street
   Milwaukee WI 53205

   
   Note:  We no longer accept faxed applications.
    
5. Upon receipt of the fully completed application, Transit Plus will contact applicant to schedule an in-person assessment;
6. Attend your assessment appointment.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time.

Remember to bring the following to your assessment:

• A current form of photo identification;
• Personal Care Assistant.  Any applicant who may require personal care/toileting assistance or behavioral supervision must be accompanied by a caregiver or family member;
• Any personal care or medical supplies that applicant may require while at the Transit Plus office.

The Transit Plus office is in the Milwaukee County Transit System's Administration Building at the corner of N. 17th Street and Fond du Lac Avenue. There is parking available by the front door.

Traveling with Us

You can go anywhere within Milwaukee County as well as to some areas of Waukesha and Ozaukee counties.

• Rides are available from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m
• Cost is $4.00 for each van ride, with the exact amount paid in cash or by using a ticket
• You may take another passenger with you for an additional $4.00 each way
• Personal Care Attendants ride free
• Please note that, depending on your destination, the entire cost of a taxi trip may not be covered in full by the $4.00 rider fare
• Click here to search if your address is in our service area

 

Transit Plus Pass

If you are able to use MCTS, your Transit Plus Card allows you to travel on the bus for $2 per day. Always tell the bus driver you are using your Transit Plus Pass BEFORE touching the pass on the farebox. A PCA rides at no charge. 

Thanks to a Federally Funded program, and in cooperation with Milwaukee County, eligible Transit Plus riders who are interested and able to ride MCTS buses may do so for $2 per day. Our Travel Training program is open to any Transit Plus rider who can safely use the bus system instead of taxi or van service. This program may change depending continued availability of funding.

Please make sure you follow these simple instructions when using your Transit Plus Pass on any MCTS bus.

Using a Transit Plus Pass on the Bus with Cash

1. When you board the first bus each day, show the driver your Transit Plus Pass card and tell them you would like to purchase a Transit Plus Pass with cash
2. Do not touch your card to the farebox until the driver says it’s okay
3. Once the driver says it’s okay, touch your Transit Plus Card to the farebox
4. Put your money in the farebox
5. After paying, touch your Transit Plus card to the farebox and you’re ready for unlimited riding for that day
6. On every additional bus you ride for the day, simply touch your card on the farebox when you board

 

Using a Transit Plus Pass on the Bus with Stored Cash Value

1. When you board the first bus each day, show the driver your Transit Plus Pass card and tell them you would like to purchase a Transit Plus Pass with Stored Cash Value
2. Do not touch your card to the farebox until the driver says it’s okay
3. Touch your Transit Plus Pass card to the farebox. Farebox deducts $2 from your stored value balance. Now you’re ready for unlimited riding that day
4. On every additional bus you ride for the day, simply touch your card on the farebox when you board

 

Transit Plus Riders Guide

We invite you to read this entire guide which explains many program details, such as who qualifies, what services are available as well as our safety requirements. Additionally, and importantly, it
specifies how and with whom you schedule ride reservations, and how to provide feedback about your service experience. Click the link below to read the Transit Plus Rider's Guide.

Transit Plus Rider's Guide PDF

If you'd prefer, you can also click on any of the following links to listen to the Transit Plus Rider's Guide audio files on YouTube:

• Chapter 1: MCTS Riders Guide Preliminary Information & Table of Contents
• Chapter 2: Definitions to Help Explain our Programs
• Chapter 3: Overview of Service
• Chapter 4: Eligibility
• Chapter 5: How Van Service Works
• Chapter 6: Reservation Tips
• Chapter 7: Fares
• Chapter 8: Tips to Ease Your Ride
• Chapter 9: Taxi Service
• Chapter 10: Safety Requirements and Assistive Devices

 

Transit Plus Advisory Council (TPAC)

TPAC’s mission is to serve as an advocate for persons with disabilities to ensure the availability of a quality transportation system, so that Transit Plus clients may enjoy full participation in their community, work, medical care and recreational activities.  TPAC members are users of the Transit Plus program including family members and/or guardians of persons who use Transit Plus. 

Meetings are held at 2 PM on the third Tuesday of each month (with the exception of August) at the MCTS Administration Building, 1942 N. 17th Street, and are open to the public.  Anyone interested in attending a meeting or becoming involved with TPAC should contact the Transit Plus office at (414) 343-1700.

Click here for the December 2019 TPAC Meeting Minutes

Click here for the February 2020 TPAC Meeting Agenda

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)