Today, after more than a year of preparation, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, County Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones, MCTS Chief Financial Officer Tim Hosch, and Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, welcomed public transit riders to WisGo, a new fare collection system starting April 1. Riders will have through September 2023 to transition to WisGo.
Milwaukee County and Waukesha County leaders announced an added perk: regional mobility. Now, in addition to a new fare structure that’s easier and more modern, riders can enjoy a smoother transfer between counties with WisGo. Eventually, riders can use the same WisGo payment method to continue on their journey using Waukesha Metro. More regional transit connections are on the way.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said, “I applaud Waukesha Metro’s decision to be the first to make transit in the region easier through one, simplified payment system consistent with Milwaukee County’s transit system. The decision reinforces that public transit is essential to linking the economy not just to one metro area, but across the whole state. Our two communities share a deep commitment to supporting transit as a key component to a thriving workforce and a strong economy.”
City of Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said, “Employers continually express the need for employees and simplified ways for their employees to get to work. Adding Waukesha Metro to the WisGo system is another important way to help employers and employees throughout the region by making it easier for all to get to their jobs using transit.”
Milwaukee County Supervisor and Chairwoman of the Committee on Transportation and Transit, Priscilla Coggs-Jones said, “MCTS has introduced a more equitable fare payment system. Historically, only those who could afford to pre-purchase discount passes to ride the bus got the best value. But with WisGo, these inequities are being addressed through fare capping. Now, everyone pays the same rates no matter how many times they ride.”
Milwaukee County Transit System Chief Financial Officer Tim Hosch encourages riders to give the mobile app a try. “The first thing we ask our riders to do is to download the Umo app. Using an app is how many people do their everyday tasks such as pay for local parking or buy movie tickets, and now, buy bus fare. Cash is always an option, but the Umo app has many more perks, like detour alerts sent directly to your phone, real-time bus tracking, and auto reload in the online wallet so you don’t have to worry about your balance.”
Bonnie Crawford, Vice President and General Manager of Umo, which powers WisGo, says, “We’ve seen ridership increase at other transit agencies that moved to fare capping. Simplifying public transit has a positive, long-term impact on the overall rider experience. We can’t wait for Wisconsinites to try WisGo.”
What’s Next with WisGo
Visit the following resources and plan how to take the first step toward WisGo:
WisGo validators are live on all buses now. Waukesha Metro validators will accept WisGo transfers only. Throughout the transition period, riders can still use their M-Cards on existing fare boxes but are strongly encouraged to use up their M-Card balances as soon as possible because the new BRT line, MCTS CONNECT, will not accept M-Cards. Visit RideMCTS.com for more information.
WisGo message on MCTS validator – WisGo goes live officially on April 1, 2023. Anyone can pick up a free WisGo card now through June 30, 2023.
WisGo fares – WisGo goes live on April 1, 2023. Riders have through September 30, 2023 to switch to the new fare system.