First Phase of ‘MCTS NEXT’ System Redesign Starts Sunday

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI—The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is reminding passengers that the first phase of its MCTS NEXT system redesign takes effect on Sunday– with improvements and adjustments to Routes 15, 19, 20, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 63, and 68, according to a news release.

Customers are encouraged to visit RideMCTS.com/NEXT, which features an interactive map, or call 414-344-6711 for specific information about what to expect.

Milwaukee County has evolved over the years, especially when it comes to the locations of job centers, shopping destinations, schools, and residential areas. That’s why, in 2018, MCTS started working on a new approach to improve the rider experience and meet the community’s modern needs. MCTS NEXT aligns with Milwaukee County’s mission to advance racial equity and enhance the quality of life through great public service.

The first phase of MCTS NEXT includes benefits such as more high-frequency routes, better connections to job center, grocery stores and medical offices. Also improved service on weekends and simpler routing that is easier to understand.

• Buses on Routes 15, 19, 35, & 51 will now arrive every 15 min. or less on weekdays.
• Route 35 will be extended to Meijer at 60th & Layton and Route 31 will provide more service to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center and Mayfair Mall. A new route, Route 20, will provide additional service to Walmart on S. 27th Street in Franklin.
• Routes 15, 31 (on State and Watertown Plank), 52, and 63 will run more frequently on Saturdays and Sundays as well as Route 19 (south end of the route), and Route 51 on Sundays.
• Routes 19 and 31 service will be adjusted to provide more frequent service along a single corridor instead of being “branched” and providing low frequency service on multiple streets.

MCTS launched an English and Spanish-language advertising campaign on buses, bus shelters, billboards, radio, newspapers, news websites, and social media.

MCTS spent nearly three years conducting a comprehensive review of the entire transit system. Planners examined and evaluated every route and bus stop across the MCTS service area to identify opportunities for improvements, enhanced efficiency, and faster service.

Phase One of MCTS NEXT will be followed by Phase Two on June 6, 2021 and Phase Three on August 29, 2021 – each impacting an additional 11 routes.