The safety and security of our bus operators, our passengers, and the community, is our top priority. That’s why we have a robust safety plan in place across the organization and we collaborate closely with local law enforcement.
Our security officers discourage inappropriate and illegal behavior. They liaison with local law enforcement, team up with community partners to connect people to services such as 211 and respond to transit emergencies. They have even helped MCTS return countless children to their parents, identified Silver Alert victims, and administered Narcan to drug overdose victims.
Recently, MCTS expanded its team to include Public Safety Officers as another component of its approach to safety and customer experience. These are the first in-house security officers at MCTS and the plan is to continue to expand the team. These well-trained officers strengthen the community with their past experience as law enforcement officers and first responders and ongoing professional development.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sets nationwide rules, policies, and best practices to keep public transit safe across the U.S. At MCTS, we align our Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan with these standards to proactively manage risks, train our workforce, set clear safety goals, and track and report incidents. Our plan covers every part of the safety experience, from protecting our employees and riders to ensuring the reliability and integrity of our system. This work is part of our commitment to the broader National Public Transportation Safety Plan.
Every MCTS bus displays a Safe Place emblem, supporting the Milwaukee Police Department’s efforts to keep our community safe. Since 2022, MCTS has partnered with MPD to designate all buses as official “MPD Safe Place” locations, offering safety and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Our bus operators’ actions have garnered national attention for their compassion and heroism in cooperation with law enforcement. If someone boards a bus in need of help, they immediately contact Dispatch to ensure assistance.
MCTS partners with local law enforcement offices to hold wrongdoers accountable for crimes against our riders, employees and our buses. When a crime occurs, we provide footage and relevant information to investigators. This evidence often helps identify suspects, verify timelines, and support successful prosecutions. We also participate in community outreach initiatives—such as public safety campaigns, reckless driving prevention, neighborhood meetings, and rider education efforts—to build trust and encourage reporting of unsafe behavior.
MCTS proudly features a themed Pride Bus that travels throughout Milwaukee County, carrying a clear message: the bus is for all of us. Its design serves as a reminder that Milwaukee County celebrates diversity and that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is a valued member of our community.
MCTS maintains more than 3,500 cameras across the system. In addition, starting in 2025, all new buses have monitors near the front that show a live camera feed from inside the vehicle, helping riders stay aware of their surroundings.
Our nationally recognized bus operators serve as eyes and ears in the community, including in the fight against human trafficking. The National Human Trafficking Hotline highlights how bus operators can spot and support potential victims. During training, all new operators learn key warning signs and how to respond. Their awareness can make a life-saving difference.
If you feel unsafe, contact us.
Call: 1-888-373-7888
Text: HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)
Available 24/7, confidential, and free
**If you are in immediate danger, please contact 911.**