What you need to know about MCTS service changes

By Princess Safiya Byers Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service Published Sep 07, 2025 at 2:01 PM

If you or anyone you know uses the Milwaukee County Transit System, your route may look different now.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, MCTS made a series of changes, including new routes, extended routes and frequency changes.

Here is what you need to know.

Longer waits

MCTS has reduced fall service hours. The change is the result of a $10.9 million operating deficit.

According to an MCTS news release, “an approximately 20,000-hour reduction in service levels will be in effect through the end of the year.”

Increased wait times can be anywhere from five to 15 minutes, according to MCTS.

Some impacted routes include: Route 12, Route 15, Route 19, Route 21, Route 35, Route 66 and Route 80.

Kim Pham, whose mother is a regular transit user, said she’s disappointed with the cuts.

“I'm sad that they have to cut the frequency of many routes due to budget shortfalls. A lot of people rely on the bus to get to school or work, and a missed bus can mean they won't make it there on time even if they plan to leave early,” she said.

2 new detours

Anna Schryver, marketing and communications manager at MCTS, said people should be aware of two new long-term detours. A new route, Route 74, which runs along sections of West Wisconsin Avenue and Miller Park Way, will detour for at least a year.

Also, the GreenLine and Route 80 will be detoured as a result of a new construction project at Mitchell International Airport.

As a part of MOVE 2025, a plan developed through a public outreach effort, MCTS is making changes to improve the reliability of service on multiple routes.

There will be more frequent service on Routes 57, 63 and the BlueLine.

There will be four new routes: Route 59 (Drexel Avenue), Route 73 (Mill Road), Route 74 (43rd Street - Miller Park Way) and Route 82 (S. 13th - Howell Avenue).

Bryce Ulmer, an MCTS rider and transit advocate, said he is excited to have a new bus line in South Milwaukee.

“It's about making it so people here in the South Shore of town can actually get east-west, get to their appointments and jobs,” he said.

Ulmer said the Pick ‘n Save in South Milwaukee closed recently, so the bus is also a connection to other grocery stores.

Routes 14, 30, 52, 56 and 68 have been extended as part of MOVE 2025.

“My mom has been taking the 14 (formerly 10) bus route to work for years, and she was happy to hear that they will be extending the line back to Marquette University,” Pham said. “This is super convenient for her … which makes her life a lot easier, especially during the wintertime.”

Modifications have also been made to Routes 19, 20, 28, 51, 55, 58, BlueLine, RedLine and PurpleLine.