Milwaukee County Transit System implements major service changes affecting 40 bus routes, adding 95 stops and 4 new lines while reducing frequency on select routes starting Aug. 24
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is implementing its largest service update since 2021, affecting 40 of 46 bus routes across Milwaukee County.
The changes, which include 95 new bus stops and four new routes, will take effect August 24, 2025, at 4:30 a.m. Some routes will see reduced frequency due to budget constraints.
According to MCTS, the service modifications are part of the ‘MOVE 2025’ plan and include adjustments to improve route reliability, the return of UBUS school service, and schedule changes due to road construction.
Key changes include more frequent service on Routes 57, 63, and BlueLine, plus the addition of four new routes.
• Route 59 – Drexel Ave. • Route 73 – Mill Road • Route 74 – S. 43rd Street – Miller Park Way • Route 82 – S. 13th – Howell Ave.
The University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee (UWM) campus will see significant route adjustments, with all local routes starting or ending along Kenwood Boulevard between Maryland and Downer avenues.
Route 49U will be eliminated due to low ridership, though service from Brown Deer Park and Ride Lot to UWM will continue via Route 68.
Several routes face service reductions during non-peak hours due to budget shortfalls. For example, Route 12 weekday riders will experience longer wait times between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., increasing from 15 to 20 minutes between buses.
Construction projects will affect multiple routes through fall 2025, including the GreenLine, Route 15, and Route 18, which will detour around the Water Street Bridge construction near the Third Ward.
Riders can preview route changes on the Umo app starting August 24 or view route previews at RideMCTS.com/Schedules beginning the week of August 11.
