Milwaukee County Transit System • Updated August 24, 2026
Plan an MCTS Bus Trip with Current Routes, Timetables, Stops, Fares and Live Arrivals
MCTS riders need more than a list of route numbers. A useful trip plan combines the current timetable, travel direction, service day, exact stop ID, WisGo payment method, live arrival prediction and any temporary construction detour.
This guide brings those pieces together and also explains the official MCTS system-map PDF, CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit, airport and Amtrak connections, reduced fares, Transit Plus paratransit, university service, current August 2026 schedule changes and the MCTS Forward network redesign.
Do not start by memorizing a single departure time. MCTS schedules can differ by route direction, weekday, Saturday, Sunday, school semester and construction condition.
Find your route
Search by route number, color line, CONNECT 1 or destination.
Choose direction
Match the final destination displayed by MCTS.
Select the day
Choose weekday, Saturday, Sunday or the applicable holiday service.
Match your stop
Use the exact stop ID or the nearest published timetable timepoint.
Check live information
Compare the scheduled time with real-time arrivals and active detours.
Arrival tip: MCTS recommends reaching your stop at least five minutes before the scheduled bus arrival.
Very recent update: fall service changes started August 23, 2026. Routes 12, 14, 15, 58 and 76 received adjusted scheduled trip times to improve reliability.
Current MCTS Service Changes and Construction Impacts
MCTS’s newest service update changes scheduled trip times on five routes and keeps several long-term construction detours in place.
Route 12Updated timetable
Fall trip times were adjusted. Construction congestion also continues along Teutonia Avenue and Sherman Boulevard.
Route 14Updated timetable
Humboldt–Wisconsin riders should reopen the current schedule rather than use an older summer copy.
Route 15Updated timetable
Holton–Kinnickinnic scheduled trip times changed with the fall service period.
Route 58Updated timetable
Villard Avenue service received schedule adjustments.
Route 76Updated timetable
76th Street riders should use the post-August 23 timetable.
PurpleLine
The I-94 East-West project keeps PurpleLine off 27th Street between Clybourn Street and National Avenue. MCTS says the two-direction detour is expected to last until late 2027, with trip times shifted for the additional travel.
Route 63
Silver Spring Drive construction between 27th Street and Milwaukee River Parkway can continue to create congestion.
Route 80
Airport construction continues to change the route’s normal airport circulation. MCTS directs Route 80 to the north end of departures near American and United ticketing.
GreenLine
Oakland Avenue reconstruction affects the northern corridor, while airport construction affects the southern end. MCTS currently directs GreenLine to the south end of baggage claim.
MCTS Routes, Color Lines, BRT, UBUS and School Services
The primary MCTS timetable directory currently lists the following 49 services. Route-number gaps are normal; MCTS does not use every number sequentially.
Bus Rapid Transit
CONNECT 1 Wisconsin Avenue BRT
Color Lines
BlueLine Fond du Lac–MillGreenLine Bayshore–AirportPurpleLine 27th StreetRedLine Capitol Drive
Routes 11–28
11 Hampton Avenue12 Teutonia Avenue14 Humboldt–Wisconsin15 Holton–Kinnickinnic18 National–Greenfield19 M.L. King–S. 13th20 S. 20th Street21 North Avenue22 Center Street24 Forest Home–16th28 108th Street
Routes 30–35
30 Sherman–Wisconsin31 State–Highland33 Vliet–84th34 Hopkins–Congress35 35th Street
UBUS Entries in Main Timetable Directory
40U College Avenue44U Fair Park–Hales Corners
Routes 51–68
51 Oklahoma Avenue52 Clement–Pennsylvania53 Lincoln Avenue54 Mitchell–Burnham55 Layton Avenue56 Greenfield–Beloit57 Walnut–Appleton58 Villard Avenue59 Drexel Avenue60 60th Street63 Silver Spring Drive66 Burleigh Street68 Port Washington–Capitol
Routes 73–92
73 Mill Road74 S. 43rd Street76 76th Street80 6th Street81 Amazon–Oak Creek82 S. 13th–Howell88 Brown Deer Road92 92nd Street
School-Focused Services
HF1 Howard Fuller via Route 12HF2 Howard Fuller via BlueLine & 30RR1 Reagan H.S. via Route 19RR2 Reagan H.S. via PurpleLineRR3 Reagan H.S. via BlueLine & Route 20
Understand the MCTS Network Before Opening a Timetable
The official Spring 2026 system map says MCTS reaches 19 municipalities across Milwaukee County. It also highlights Milwaukee Airport, Milwaukee Intermodal Station, UWM, State Fair Park, Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, Lake Michigan attractions and CONNECT 1.
This SVG is a rider-learning diagram, not an official geographic map. Exact bus stops and walking paths should always come from the MCTS route map or live trip planner.
Official documents embedded directly from MCTS
Official MCTS System Map PDF
The system-map PDF is especially useful because it shows the entire county network, route-frequency categories, CONNECT 1 stations, downtown and UWM detail, Waukesha Metro Route 1 connection, popular destinations and WisGo/CONNECT payment guidance.
It is labeled Spring 2026, so use it to understand the network—not as a substitute for the newer August 2026 route timetables.
PDF freshness rule: MCTS says the system map is updated quarterly. Always compare an embedded map’s season/date with the current route and service-change pages.
Official Route 24 Timetable PDF Example
Individual MCTS route PDFs combine the map, connecting routes, timepoints, weekday/weekend schedules and operating notes. Route 24 is a useful example because it currently also has a major construction detour.
90-Minute Transfer
After validating an eligible WisGo/Umo fare, riders can board another MCTS bus within the 90-minute transfer period. Validate again on every boarding.
Daily Fare Cap
Full fare: $8.25.
Reduced fare: $4.00.
The daily period runs through 2:59 a.m. under current WisGo rules.
Weekly Cap
Full fare: $33.
Reduced fare: $16.50.
MCTS uses a Monday–Sunday calendar week.
Monthly Cap
Full fare: $99.
Reduced fare: $49.50.
MCTS uses the calendar month.
Use One Payment Method
Fare capping depends on consistently using the same eligible payment identity rather than switching between Umo, WisGo and another card.
Validator Response
MCTS says a successful WisGo validation produces a positive chime/green indication, while a failed transaction produces an alert/red indication.
WisGo card cost: MCTS currently lists the first regular-fare WisGo card at $2 and replacement regular-fare cards at $3. Reduced-fare riders receive their first eligible card free; a replacement reduced-fare card is $5.
Reduced Fare eligibility
Who Can Apply for the MCTS Reduced Fare Program?
MCTS lists several pathways to reduced-fare eligibility.
Age 65+
Riders age 65 or older can qualify based on age.
Age 6–11
Children in this age range can qualify for the current $1.25 reduced fare.
Medicare
Current Medicare coverage is another eligibility category listed by MCTS.
Qualifying Disability
A rider with a qualifying physical or mental impairment can apply under MCTS criteria.
Application
Some applicants need a treating physician or licensed health-care provider to complete part of the application.
Customer Service
Questions: 414-937-3218 or 711 TRS, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
CONNECT 1 Schedule and How BRT Boarding Is Different
CONNECT 1 runs between Watertown Plank Park-Ride and The Couture through the Wisconsin Avenue corridor. The system-map PDF describes daytime BRT service as approximately every 10–15 minutes.
Pay before boarding.
Use Umo, WisGo or a Ticket Vending Machine at the station.
Validate the fare.
Scan the WisGo card, Umo code or applicable TVM ticket at the station validator.
Board after validation.
The PDF instructs CONNECT riders to pay, scan and then board.
TVM option: MCTS says riders without WisGo or the Umo app can buy a station ticket using cash or card.
Live Prediction
Estimates when the bus should reach the stop based on current vehicle information.
Service Alert
Explains detours, stop relocations and other operating changes.
If no prediction appears: do not immediately assume the bus is canceled. GPS may be unavailable, the vehicle may not yet have started the tracked trip, or a detour may affect tracking.
Open the correct route page.
Use the current MCTS route directory rather than an undated screenshot.
Select direction.
Routes may have North/South, East/West or destination-based directions.
Select service day.
Weekday, Saturday and Sunday tables can be different.
Identify the nearest timepoint.
Printed schedules normally show selected major stops, not every bus stop.
Read across one trip row.
Follow the same scheduled trip through successive timepoints.
Use the stop ID for intermediate stops.
The live tracker is usually more useful than estimating from a distant timepoint.
Check route notes.
Express, school-day, seasonal, construction and holiday notes can change how a trip operates.
Official timetable example
Example: Reading MCTS Route 24 Forest Home–16th
The current Route 24 page offers North and South directions plus weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedules. The North weekday table is labeled with a May 1, 2026 update.
Northbound Weekday Timepoints
Timepoint
Stop ID
First Example Trip
S. 74th & Holmes
1162
4:40 a.m.
Southridge
9112
4:42 a.m.
S. 76th & Layton
1170
4:45 a.m.
S. 43rd & Forest Home
5128
4:56 a.m.
S. 16th & Mitchell
2151
5:05 a.m.
N. 16th & Wisconsin
2164
5:15 a.m.
N. 17th & Fond du Lac
9688
5:20 a.m.
Why the PDF alone is not enough: Route 24 currently has a construction-related 16th Street bridge detour. A rider can have the correct timetable but still wait at the wrong physical stop if the alert is ignored.
The official MCTS system map identifies GreenLine and Route 80 as regular transit connections to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
GreenLine Bayshore–Airport
Current construction affects airport operations. MCTS says GreenLine is using the south end of the baggage-claim area during the airport detour.
Route 80 6th Street
MCTS says Route 80 is bypassing the airport cell phone lot and stopping at the north end of departures near American and United ticketing.
Confirm GreenLine versus Route 80.
Read the airport construction alert.
Check the live bus before leaving the terminal.
Confirm the current boarding curb.
Allow extra time for terminal construction.
Keep luggage out of the aisle after boarding.
Amtrak and regional bus connections
MCTS Routes to Milwaukee Intermodal Station
The system-map PDF identifies BlueLine and Routes 12, 31, 34 and 57 for the Milwaukee Intermodal Station area.
Connection strategy: build a time buffer between the scheduled bus arrival and your train departure. Allow for traffic, walking into the station and finding the correct boarding area.
University service source check
MCTS UBUS Routes: 40U, 44U and the 49U Source Discrepancy
MCTS states that UBUS services operate only during spring and fall semesters while participating schools are in session, and that UBUS service requires a Premium Fare.
40U College Avenue
Serves UWM, MATC Downtown and MATC South Campus from College and Holt Park-Ride areas. The route page says service operates during spring and fall semesters only.
44U Fair Park–Hales Corners
Serves UWM from Hales Corners and State Fair Park Park-Ride areas during school days in spring and fall semesters.
49U Brown Deer
The separate MCTS UBUS information page currently lists Brown Deer UBUS service to UWM, but 49U does not appear in the primary timetable directory reviewed August 24, 2026.
49U verification: do not rely on an old 49U timetable unless MCTS confirms current operation. The agency’s own UBUS page and main timetable directory currently show different inventories.
MCTS Wheelchair, Mobility and Rider Accessibility Features
MCTS says every fixed-route bus is a low-floor accessible vehicle.
Kneeling Buses
The operator can lower the front of the bus to reduce the boarding step.
Ramps
Buses include ramps for wheelchairs, walkers, canes and many mobility scooters.
Priority Seating
Front seating is designated for seniors and riders with disabilities and can provide mobility-device securement space.
Quantum Securement
Some vehicles have Quantum self-securement equipment that allows some riders to secure and release a mobility device independently.
Audio & Text Information
MCTS provides onboard stop, route, transfer and landmark announcements with visual information on interior displays.
Service Animals
Trained service animals are allowed under MCTS accessibility guidance. General pets/comfort animals have separate carrier requirements.
MCTS Transit Plus: Fare, Eligibility, Reservations and Pickup Window
Transit Plus is MCTS’s paratransit program for eligible riders whose disability prevents them from independently using fixed-route service or independently reaching/leaving a fixed-route stop because of a disability-related barrier.
Standard Van Fare
$4 one way. Drivers do not make change.
Service Span
Transit Plus operates the same days/hours as MCTS buses, with rides generally available about 4:30 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Reservation Deadline
Reserve by 4:30 p.m. the day before travel. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance.
30-Minute Pickup Window
A 9:00 a.m. pickup can be considered on time when the van arrives between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.
Driver Wait
MCTS says a driver generally waits five minutes after reaching the pickup location.
Companion/PCA: a companion generally pays the same $4 one-way fare. A properly designated Personal Care Attendant can ride at no additional charge.
Transit Plus WisGo ID: eligible riders can use the card or Umo to pay the $4 Transit Plus van fare and can also use it on fixed-route MCTS buses. The current fixed-route reduced fare is $1.25 with a 90-minute transfer and $4 daily bus cap.
MCTS currently operates a Transit Plus Same Day Pilot for eligible Transit Plus riders when an important trip related to health, employment or wellbeing could not be scheduled the day before.
One-Way Fare
$10 per ride under the current pilot.
Request Hours
Current trip requests can be made between 8 a.m. and 5:59 p.m., seven days a week.
Expected Pickup
MCTS says riders should generally be picked up within an hour of booking.
Payment
Exact cash can be paid on the van. Debit/credit payment is available through the pilot app or phone process.
PCA
A PCA listed on the Transit Plus card rides free.
Pilot Warning
MCTS says the pilot parameters may change as the service is optimized.
Not a duplicate reservation: MCTS says the Same Day Pilot is not intended as a backup when the same trip is already booked on regular Transit Plus.
Future network planning
MCTS Forward: Why Current Routes Could Change Again
MCTS Forward is a public network-redesign project examining how Milwaukee County’s transit network should operate within available funding. Current schedules remain in effect until MCTS formally changes them, but riders should know that a larger redesign is being developed.
Spring 2026
Project kickoff.
Summer 2026
Existing conditions and transit choices.
Fall 2026
Public input on transit priorities and network concepts.
Winter 2027
Public input on a draft plan.
Summer 2027
Target for completion of the final plan.
Late fall 2026: MCTS’s published timeline includes a Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors decision on transit priorities for the future network.
Independent-site disclosure: busschedule.us does not operate MCTS buses and cannot change schedules, fares, detours, eligibility decisions or real-time vehicle information. Final trip decisions should use the current official MCTS tools linked above.
MCTS Bus Schedule FAQs
Where can I find the current MCTS bus schedule?
Use the official MCTS Routes & Schedules page, choose your route and direction, select the correct service day and check the active alert before traveling.
Did MCTS schedules change in August 2026?
Yes. Fall service changes took effect August 23, 2026. Routes 12, 14, 15, 58 and 76 received adjusted scheduled trip times.
How much is the MCTS bus fare?
The current adult regular fare is $2.75. The reduced fare is $1.25 for eligible riders.
How long is an MCTS transfer?
Eligible WisGo/Umo fares include a 90-minute transfer period. Validate again each time you board.
Does MCTS have daily or monthly fare caps?
Yes. Current full-fare caps are $8.25 daily, $33 weekly and $99 monthly. Reduced caps are $4 daily, $16.50 weekly and $49.50 monthly.
How early should I arrive at an MCTS stop?
MCTS recommends being at the stop at least five minutes before the scheduled bus arrival.
How do I track an MCTS bus?
Use the MCTS Real-Time Bus Tracker and search by stop ID, nearby stop or bus route.
Which MCTS routes serve Milwaukee airport?
The official system map identifies GreenLine and Route 80. Current airport construction affects their normal airport boarding patterns.
Which MCTS routes serve Milwaukee Intermodal Station?
The official system map identifies BlueLine and Routes 12, 31, 34 and 57 for the Intermodal Station area.
What is CONNECT 1?
CONNECT 1 is MCTS’s Wisconsin Avenue Bus Rapid Transit service. Riders normally prepay and validate at the station before boarding.
Are MCTS buses wheelchair accessible?
MCTS states that every fixed-route bus is a low-floor accessible vehicle equipped with a ramp.
What is Transit Plus?
Transit Plus is ADA paratransit for eligible riders who cannot independently use fixed-route service or independently get to or from a fixed-route stop because of a disability-related barrier.
How much is a Transit Plus van ride?
The current standard Transit Plus fare is $4 one way. Drivers do not make change.
What is the Transit Plus Same Day Pilot fare?
The current pilot lists a $10 one-way fare for eligible Transit Plus riders using the same-day service.
Are MCTS Freeway Flyers operating?
MCTS currently states that Freeway Flyer service is suspended.
Why is Route 49U missing from the main MCTS timetable directory?
The dedicated UBUS information page currently lists 49U Brown Deer UBUS, but the primary timetable directory reviewed August 24, 2026 lists 40U and 44U without a 49U timetable entry. Verify 49U directly with MCTS before planning around it.
Could the MCTS route network change in 2027?
Yes. MCTS Forward is a network redesign project with public input during 2026 and 2027 and a final-plan target in summer 2027.
