Milwaukee Bus Fare: What's the Cost of Riding?

How much does it cost to ride the bus in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is the primary provider of public transportation in Milwaukee. The cost of riding the bus in Milwaukee depends on various factors, such as the type of fare, payment method, and passenger category. Here's an overview of the fare prices and options available:

Single Full Fare Rides

Single full fare rides on MCTS buses cost $2.00. This fare includes a 90-minute transfer that allows passengers to transfer to another bus within 90 minutes of their initial boarding. To avail this fare, passengers need to use a WisGo card or the Umo app for payment.

Single Reduced Fare Rides

Passengers who qualify for reduced fares, such as senior citizens (65+), children aged 6-11, or individuals with a qualifying disability, can avail single reduced fare rides at $1.00. Similar to full fare rides, this fare also includes a 90-minute transfer. To avail this fare, passengers need to use a WisGo card or the Umo app for payment.

Cash Fares

Passengers who prefer to pay in cash can do so, but they will not receive a transfer. Cash fares do not include the 90-minute transfer that is available with WisGo card or Umo app payments. It is important to note that cash fares do not offer the benefits of fare capping or transfers.

U-PASS

Students enrolled as full-time students in participating institutions can avail unlimited rides on MCTS buses during their enrollment period with a U-PASS. The U-PASS provides unlimited rides and is a convenient option for students to commute to and from their educational institutions.

Commuter Value Pass (CVP)

The Commuter Value Pass (CVP) is an electronic smart card that provides affordable and reliable transportation for employees. This pass makes riding the bus easy for employees and offers a convenient way to commute to and from work. The CVP is available for purchase and provides unlimited rides on MCTS buses.

Fare Capping

Fare capping is a feature that allows passengers to pay for a certain number of rides within a specified time period and then receive free rides for the rest of that time period. The fare capping options available on MCTS buses are as follows:

• Daily Capping: Fare capping is applicable from 3 a.m. to 2:59 a.m. the following day. Once the daily fare cap is reached, all rides and transfers for the remainder of that day are free.
• Weekly Capping: Fare capping is applicable for the calendar week, from Monday to Sunday. Once the weekly fare cap is reached, all rides and transfers for the remainder of that week are free.
• Monthly Capping: Fare capping is applicable for the calendar month, from the 1st to the 31st. Once the monthly fare cap is reached, all rides and transfers for the remainder of that month are free.

It is important to note that fare capping only works if the same payment method is used for all rides.

Where to Buy WisGo Cards

WisGo cards, which are used for fare payment and transfers, can be purchased and reloaded at various locations in Milwaukee. These locations include supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Additionally, WisGo cards can also be purchased online through the Umo app or at the MCTS website.

In conclusion, the cost of riding the bus in Milwaukee depends on the type of fare, payment method, and passenger category. Single full fare rides cost $2.00 with a 90-minute transfer, single reduced fare rides cost $1.00 with a 90-minute transfer, and cash fares do not include a transfer. U-PASS and CVP provide unlimited rides for students and employees, respectively. Fare capping options are available for daily, weekly, and monthly rides. WisGo cards can be purchased and reloaded at various locations in Milwaukee.