Milwaukee County Transportation System (MCTS)
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is recommending to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors that the CONNECT 2 Bus Rapid Transit project be paused due to current funding constraints and ongoing financial issues.
The recommendation will be reviewed by the County Council’s Transportation and Transit Committee on September 4, 2024.
According to a press release from MCTS, the CONNECT 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) line would improve public transit along 27th Street in five communities and on a state highway, connecting residents to jobs, education, medical facilities and economic centers from Bayshore Mall in Glendale to IKEA in Oak Creek.
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It would replace one of the county’s busiest bus routes, the PurpleLine, with shorter wait times, faster travel times and premium transit stations.
The press release further states that the Milwaukee County Transit System does not have a sustainable source of funding. The 0.4% sales tax increase implemented by Milwaukee County in 2024 prevented major cuts to transit. However, the Milwaukee County Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance projected lower than expected sales tax revenues.
In addition, a report by the Milwaukee County Auditor indicates financial gaps in the public transit budget as early as 2025, which could expand to an annual deficit of over $15 million by 2028, the year CONNECT 2 is scheduled to launch.
MCTS says pausing the CONNECT 2 project at its current stage will potentially free up $15 million in one-time temporary funds that can be used for MCTS operating costs to maintain current service levels and avoid route disruptions.
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The current PurpleLine route will continue to be available to riders along 27th Street. MCTS will also continue to work with partners to obtain dedicated funding for the CONNECT 2 project from state, federal, and local sources. Click here to learn more about how you can help public transit achieve sustainable funding.
