In a significant move impacting Milwaukee’s public transport landscape, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has sanctioned a $1.4 billion budget for the upcoming year. This budget brings some financial relief to the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), albeit with lingering uncertainties concerning the future of several key routes, including Route 28, and paratransit services.
A noteworthy highlight of the budget is the allocation of nearly $5 million aimed at bolstering transit and paratransit services. However, this amount falls short of the $14 million required to fully restore all services by 2026.
The board has also mandated that MCTS, in collaboration with the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation, devise a plan to sustain essential bus routes while enhancing the overall system.
These measures were spearheaded by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, who stressed the importance of public input, noting the strong turnout at the annual public hearing. “It was disheartening to hear person after person share how a transit cut will impact their lives,” Nicholson remarked, reflecting on the community’s concerns over access to essential services like medical appointments and social engagements.
By December, MCTS is expected to submit a proposal outlining potential changes to the transit system. In the meantime, Nicholson promises that the board will advocate for the maintenance of critical routes and paratransit services.
Approximately 40 percent of Milwaukee’s residents rely on public transportation, with over 25 million bus rides recorded in 2024. Although MCTS has experienced a 40 percent increase in ridership over the past five years, numbers haven’t yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
Since 2020, MCTS has been supported by $192 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, using $20 million in 2025 and an additional $9 million planned for next year. However, a looming $14 million budget deficit in 2026 threatens the continuity of services once federal aid ceases.
Some board members expressed surprise at learning about the deficit through media reports rather than directly from MCTS. “We thought that they were operating at least whole or at a surplus,” Nicholson admitted, highlighting the need for difficult decisions to safeguard transit routes.
Previously, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley had unveiled his proposed 2026 budget, suggesting the elimination of six bus routes, modifications to five others, and fare increases from $2 to $2.75 for adults. The proposal also calls for ending the Transit Plus Same Day pilot program, which offers $10 same-day rides for individuals with disabilities.
The Transit Plus service, which supports over 360,000 rides annually, provides crucial paratransit services for people with disabilities. Cheryl Orgas, executive director of Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement, emphasized the importance of same-day services during a recent board meeting, stating, “You heard us, and you brought an amendment. And 2,000 riders have received same day services because of all of you.”
Orgas urged the board to ensure that these vital services continue, raising concerns about missed medical appointments and other critical needs. As the 2026 budget awaits final approval from Executive Crowley, Nicholson has called on residents to advocate for additional funding by reaching out to state representatives and Governor Tony Evers. “Let them know that Milwaukee County needs funds so that we can fund these routes for our community,” Nicholson urged, underscoring the broader implications for Wisconsin.
