The Milwaukee County Transit System has recommended pausing the CONNECT 2 bus rapid transit project due to “current lack of funding and ongoing financial issues.”
MCTS has submitted this recommendation to the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors and it will be reviewed by the County Board’s Transportation and Transit Committee on September 4, 2024. CONNECT 2 Bus Rapid Transit was originally scheduled to launch in 2028.
The CONNECT 2 bus rapid transit line would cross five communities, connecting people from Bayshore Mall in Glendale to IKEA in Oak Creek. CONNECT 2 would replace the PurpleLine, one of the county’s busiest bus routes.
MCTS says they currently have “no sustainable source of funding.” In 2024, Milwaukee County will implement a 0.4% sales tax increase, preventing major cuts to public transit.
However, the Milwaukee County Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance forecast lower than expected sales tax revenues.
The Milwaukee County Auditor has already reported financial gaps in the public transit budget for 2025, which could grow to an annual deficit of over $15 million by 2028.
Pausing the CONNECT 2 project in its current phase could potentially free up $15 million in one-time temporary funds, MCTS says. These funds would be used for MCTS’ operating costs to maintain current services and avoid line disruptions.
MCTS says the PurpleLine will continue to transport people along 27th Street while they continue to seek funding opportunities.
Visit RideMCTS for more information about the Milwaukee County Transit System.
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