This morning, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will begin charging $2 per card starting on Monday, April 6.

The fee is a one-time charge for the smart card; after that fee, customers only have to pay for the fares that are put on it. The $2 charge helps cover the cost of the M-CARD, which has a potential lifespan of 10 years. Previously, MCTS had given away more than 79,000 M-CARDs over the past year. 

The M-CARD is a part of MCTS' transition away from paper tickets and toward a completely electronic fare system. Bus riders can load one-day, seven-day and 31-day passes onto the smart card or a stored value amount between $2 and $50. Case is still accepted by MCTS; however, the M-CARD offers a discounted rate, costing $1.75 as opposed to $2.25 in cash. 

Customers can still pick up a free M-CARD before April 6 by visiting one of 80 locations, all located on this map.