The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), which operates public bus services throughout Milwaukee—the largest city in Wisconsin—has announced a new plan to reduce fare evasion, following the revelation of an unexpected $11 million budget deficit in June. An internal investigation found that approximately 8 million passengers board buses annually without paying.
For the past three years, MCTS policy has barred drivers from asking passengers to pay fares, prioritizing their safety. Now, the drivers’ union, ATU Local 998, is urging the agency to reinstate that authority—at least to allow drivers to request payment once.
The new six-part plan, introduced by MCTS Safety and Security Director Brittany Bertsch, launches with a public awareness campaign that invites riders to “do their part,” incorporating messaging such as “we’re counting on you.” The proposal also allocates $1 million toward security officers and slightly more funds for fare ambassadors—staff members in bright, approachable attire whose role is to promote fare compliance in a non-confrontational manner.
Still, union leaders argue public awareness isn’t the issue. “They know they’re supposed to pay. They know how to pay. They just don’t pay. And they do it because they can” said Bruce Freeman, ATU 998 President.
While the administration is open to revisiting the “ask once” policy, safety remains the top priority, according to new Chief Revenue Officer Steven Fuentes.
MCTS is also modernizing payment systems to include credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, aiming to remove barriers to fare compliance. The public awareness campaign is already underway, with broader reforms expected to follow.
Read here the full new: https://www.fox6now.com/news/mcts-bus-riders-skip-paying-fares-transit-systems-plan-reduce-problem
