News Releases

MCTS Launches New MetroEXpress Bus Service

By Kathy Quirk

MCTS Bus Milwaukee County Transit System will unveil the new MetroEXpress Routes with the assistance of the Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and UWM Chancellor Michael R. Lovell. The special ceremony on Saturday, January 28, 2012 will include revealing the look of the new service and an inaugural ride.

“This is an important day for the community as we bring Milwaukee County residents new transit service. Federal funding is allowing us to continue and improve an essential public service and retain access to jobs,” Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said.

$19.1 million in Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality grants allowed MCTS to stave off drastic service cuts the system was facing due to a 10 percent reduction in state funds for 2012 and 2013. Abele and the board approved the use of the funding for the new routes in their 2012 county budget.

Managing Director of Milwaukee County Transit System, Lloyd Grant, Jr. remarked, “The three express service routes will help MCTS better meet the needs of bus riders and the community through improved air quality, faster service and increased capacity for the level of demand in these high ridership corridors.”

The three new routes and associated changes serve major job access corridors and transit dependent areas. For the first time, MCTS is using colors instead of numbers to identify routes; the BlueLine, RedLine and GreenLine will operate every day of the week.

“Thousands of UWM students, faculty and staff use the Milwaukee County Transit System every day, and our university is grateful for every MCTS service innovation to facilitate their daily journeys,” said UWM Chancellor Michael R. Lovell. “This initiative complements the work of the UWM Office of Sustainability and is another creative solution to urban environmental challenges.”

DET AILS:

Where:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, outside the Union,
2200 East Kenwood Boulevard

When:
11:00 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2012

Photo Opportunities:
Ceremonial launch of three new bus routes with elected officials. Unveiling of new signage. Specially dressed bus operators. First run of the new routes the day before the service goes into effect.

Additional Passenger Information

Currently, a hotline is staffed to answer questions regarding the upcoming service change. Customer service agents are available at 414-937-0460 every day from 6 AM to 6 PM for a limited time.

Also, MCTS will provide customers with details of the upcoming changes in the following methods:

  • A special issue of Bus Lines is on board buses. It contains detailed information on all the changes including maps.
  • RideMCTS.com has details of all changes and a preview of the new routes. •            Temporary bus stop signs are posted at bus stops. •            All permanent bus stop sign changes will be made January 28 & 29.
  • Display boards of maps are placed at several major transfer corners. •            Printed schedules will be placed on buses.

The Milwaukee County Transit System is a vital service to the community, providing 44 million rides each year to jobs, schools, shopping, healthcare and recreation in Milwaukee County.

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