RideMCTS

@ridemcts.bsky.social

Official account of the Milwaukee County Transit System.

What should the future of public transit look like in Milwaukee County? That’s the question MCTS is putting to the community as we prepare to redesign our bus network to meet our funding challenges. (1/2)

Graphic with a list of MCTS Forward events:

Cudahy Family Library
Thursday, Sep. 24, 4-6 p.m.
Suzann E. Collins Gathering Place, 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy
Presentation begins at 4:30 p.m.

Independence First
Wednesday, Sep. 30, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.  
540 S. 1st St., Milwaukee  
Presentation begins at 1:30 p.m.

Wauwatosa Public Library
Thursday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.   
Firefly Room, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa  
Presentation begins at 4:30 p.m.

Milwaukee Public Library - Center Street Branch
Friday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Community Room, ​2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee   
Presentation begins at 11:30 a.m.
 
United Community Center​ (Presentation in Spanish)
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.  
1028 S. 9th St., Milwaukee  
Presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.

When we asked our Rider Insider subscribers what type of MCTS gear they wanted to see in the next merch drop, they voted for vintage merch. We are excited that the vintage collection is now here! You can shop the vintage merch collection at MCTSStore.com!

Patio season is better with your best friend. 🐶 We've mapped out some dog-friendly restaurants, bars & other patios across the County to help you find your next stop. Just plan your trip in the Umo app! Reminder: Pets are welcome on MCTS only if they're in a secure carrier.

MCTS system map depicting all the locations of dog-friendly patios you can get to by bus. The list includes Art Bar, The Backyard, Bad Moon Saloon, Black Husky Brewing, Camp Bar (all locations), The Highbury Pub, The Yard, Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall, Natty Oaks Pub & Eatery, The Newport, Regano's Roman Coin, Soblemans on St. Paul, Smoke Shack and Riley's Bar + Burger.

On Route 15, MCTS Operator David noticed a car stranded on the street and he jumped into action to push the car into the nearby gas station. David's willingness to help a driver in need also meant that the street stayed safe for other drivers. Thank you, David! #MCTSExcellence

Headshot of MCTS Operator David D. with copy that says, "Thank you to David for going above and beyond to push a stranded car into a nearby gas station."

Yesterday, we joined the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA) for Emerging Topics: Public Transportation Matters for a conversation about the economic impact of public transportation and the launch of the 2027 bus network redesign. (1/3)

Yesterday, we celebrated 13 graduates of Wisconsin’s inaugural Coach/Bus Operator Registered Apprenticeship Program and the 8 mentors who helped guide them through 14 months of learning and hands-on experience. 🎓🚌 (1/3)

MCTS President & CEO speaking at the Apprenticeship eventGroup shot of ATU Leadership with an apprenticeATU President Bruce Freeman shaking hands with an apprenticeGroup shot of MCTS Apprentices & MCDOT, ATU & MCTS Leadership

Thanks to all who stopped by our table at MPD District 3's National Night Out! We shared updates on the MCTS Forward transit network redesign, WisGo and Transit Plus, and caught up with former MCTS Manager of Administrative Services Joe Price, now President of MPD's Auxiliary Police. (1/2)

MCTS Staff with visitors at the MPD District 3's National Night OutMCTS Staff with former MCTS Manager of Administrative Services Joe Price, now President of MPD's Auxiliary PoliceFormer MCTS Manager of Administrative Services Joe Price, now President of MPD's Auxiliary Police, with a District #3 officerDistrict #3 mounted patrol unit officer with horse

When the last bus pulls in, another shift begins. The MCTS Kinnickinnic garage comes alive in a different way at night. The sounds, the lights, and the quiet work that keeps buses ready for tomorrow's first riders. Sound on.

What can you reach on Route 51? 🚌 Coffee at Smallpie, time at Humboldt Park, books from the Milwaukee Public Library, groceries at El Rey Family Market, custard from Leon's, shopping at American Science & Surplus, & more! Ride with Tom and see why Route 51 is one of MCTS's key east-west routes.

We've kicked off MCTS Forward, a collaborative effort to shape the future of public transit in Milwaukee County. It starts with the Choices Report, developed with JWA to spark conversation about transit priorities, including the balance between high ridership and wide coverage. (1/2)

Timeline for the MCTS Forward system redesign project

Meet MCTS Network Engineer Del 💻🖧 From help desk support to Network Engineer, Del's career grew through mentorship, determination, and teamwork. His advice? "Talk to your supervisor, manager, or director. Let them know your goals."

Image of Del W. that says "Employee Spotlight -- Honoring Our Team's Dedication. Network Engineer Del transforms opportunity into career growth, showing how mentorship, determination and continuous learning can open new paths at MCTS."

Congratulations to MCTS VP & Deputy CEO Ruben Salas on his appointment to the Visit Milwaukee Board of Directors Executive Committee! 🎉 Proud to see transit leadership represented as Milwaukee continues to grow as a destination city.

Photo of Ruben in front of the Milwaukee Art Museum

If dogs could plan a bus route… 🐶 what would they name their stop?  We think "Bark & Ride." And here’s a fun #TakeYourDogToWorkDay reminder: Did you know you can bring your dog on MCTS buses? Just make sure they’re in a crate or carrier that fits safely on your lap. Fur real. 🐶

Photoshopped image of a dog at a fake MCTS shelter called "Bark & Ride" with a dog bed, toys, dog food, and a huge hydrant instead of a pylon.

When MCTS Operator Therman C. saw an individual using a mobility device get stuck in a pothole while crossing the street, he didn't hesitate. After notifying Dispatch, Therman safely helped the person out of the pothole so they could continue to their destination. #MCTSExcellence

Headshot of MCTS Driver Therman C. that says, "Thank you to Therman for helping an individual in a mobility device."

Are you asking yourself how the heck you'll get to Summerfest this year? Well, there are THREE ways to ride with MCTS: ✅ MCTS Shuttles from Brown Deer, Hales Corners or College Park and Ride lots ✅ MCTS CONNECT 1 BRT ✅ Local routes 😎🚌🎶🤘 👉 RideMCTS.com/Summerfest

While driving the CONNECT 1, MCTS Operator Alfonso noticed a person who is blind needed help crossing the street to board another bus. He safely guided the rider & made sure they were settled before returning to service. Thanks for going above & beyond, Alfonso! #MCTSExcellence

Headshot of MCTS Operator Alfonso A. with copy that says "Thank you to Alfonso A. for using his training to safely guide a passenger who is visually impaired across the street."

POV: You're four years old and every bus ride is an adventure. Sometimes it takes seeing things through the eyes of a child to remind us that public transit isn’t just about getting somewhere. It’s about discovering what’s along the way. 🚌✨

Thanks to the City of Milwaukee for hosting yesterday's Vision Zero Summit. Our CONNECT 1 tour was a highlight, giving attendees a firsthand look at how BRT supports safer, more connected transportation. We appreciate everyone who stopped by our table, bus or joined our tour. 🚌

MCTS Mobility Manager Paula S. talks with a table visitorMCTS Paratransit staff tabling at the Vision Zero SummitVision Zero Summit visitors with MCTS President & CEO Steve Fuentes and MCTS Director of Marketing & Communications Brian DeNeveMCTS David Locher giving a tour of the CONNECT 1 bus

We’re at the Vision Zero Summit today, focused on educating our partners about safer streets in Milwaukee. 🚌 Our ParaTransit team is sharing accessibility resources, and CONNECT 1 BRT tours highlight transit’s role in building a safer, more connected network. #VisionZeroMKE

MCTS Mobility Manager Paula stands at our Vision Zero Summit tableMCTS bus with our Vision Zero Summit tableOnboard the MCTS busOur Vision Zero Summit table

Heroes in a half shell. Transit power! Happy #WildTurtleWeek (we have the theme correct... right?? RIGHT?! 🐢🚌) If you spot a turtle near a road: 🦸 Only help if it’s 100% safe 🐢 Move it by the sides of its shell ➡️ Keep it going in the same direction, away from the road

MCTS bus dressed like a teenage mutant ninja turtle with a WisGo card tucked into its belt and a pizza at its side. The destination sign says "Cowabunga!"