MCTS Increases Bus Capacity To 15 Passengers

WAUWATOSA, WI— Beginning Friday, Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will adjust its passenger limit from 10 to 15 due to high mask usage on buses.

Just weeks ago, an estimated 30 percent of passengers wore masks or face coverings while on board. After MCTS implemented a new mask requirement and started offering free masks on buses on August 1, that rate increased to an estimated 85 percent and continues to rise each day, a MCTS release said.

MCTS will continue to follow these policies and procedures:

• MCTS is providing free masks on buses (one per customer), while supplies last.
• MCTS has started making hand sanitizer available on a number of buses.
• Passengers are asked to use staggered seating in order to avoid close contact with others.
• Passengers are encouraged to wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick and limit conversations and interactions while on board.
• Passengers are encouraged to use contactless fare payment methods.
• Passengers must enter the bus through the front door and exit via the rear door (unless they need to use the ramp or kneeling feature of the bus).
• Buses go through an extra daily disinfection process using EPA-approved and CDC-recommended products. That’s in addition to the standard cleaning that vehicles receive on a regular basis.
• Bus drivers are positioned behind an industry-leading plexiglass shield and are supplied with masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, sanitizing wipes, disinfectant spray, and cloths to clean their workspace throughout the day.
• MCTS continues to use on-board signage, audio announcements, and other communications channels to make sure passengers are aware of all relevant information.

Permitting more passengers on each bus will enable MCTS to better serve those who depend on reliable, on-time public transportation to access work, school, medical appointments, and more, the release said.