MCTS regularly makes changes to routes to improve reliability while also prioritizing service where needs and demand are greatest. MCTS operates over 4,000 daily trips across Milwaukee County.

Service changes are made in March, June, September and December​ in accordance with the agreement between MCTS and ATU 998 Bus Driver’s Union.

Summer Changes (June 4, 2023)

Our service goals for the Summer were as follows:

• To launch the start of CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit Line.
• To improve the reliability of service and make it easier for riders to get to jobs.
• To adjust schedules based on feedback from bus operators.
• To modify schedules due to summer road construction.

Route Changes

• The CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit
  • Wisconsin’s first bus rapid transit line will deliver a premium level of transit service that improves mobility and ultimately increases ridership in a cost-effective manner. It will feature several innovations unique to Milwaukee County including the use of battery electric buses, real-time arrival signage at bus stations, and exclusive bus lanes. Visit our special CONNECT page to learn more!
  • Frequency of service will be every 10 minutes during the weekday peak times, every 15 minutes during weekend peak times and every 20-30 minutes in non-peak times across all service days.
  • Service span will be similar to the Goldline today from 4:30am – 1:30am.

In addition, some adjacent local routes will be modified to integrate them into the CONNECT 1 BRT:

GoldLine (Wisconsin Ave)

• The CONNECT 1 BRT will replace GoldLine (Wisconsin Avenue) service along Wisconsin Avenue and Bluemound Road between downtown and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC).
• In addition, Route 30 (Sherman – Wisconsin) will replace GoldLine service from downtown to UWM.
• Finally, GoldLine service from the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center to Brookfield Square will be replaced with an extension of Waukesha Metro Route 1 (Waukesha - Froedtert) starting June 4. 
• The GoldLine name itself will be retired.
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes.

As many people are aware, MCTS has regularly had to cut routes or reduce service due to the long term absence of funding dedicated for transit. To this end, the original service plan for CONNECT 1 BRT (which began back in 2016) only included a slight increase in overall operating and maintenance costs. Since the CONNECT 1 line would introduce new bus rapid transit service and that it would travel along a significant portion of the GoldLine, the service plan recommended the latter no longer operate. MCTS also made additional service changes to ensure that service would be maintained to the vast majority of riders along the GoldLine (as noted above).

We are aware some riders are disappointed to see the end of the GoldLine. MCTS works hard to design service that meets the travel needs of as many people as possible. We understand some route changes can result in having to ride a new route or make a transfer to complete your trip.  While we are excited to introduce the CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit line to our community, we are ready to help you during this transition. Please call Customer Service at 414-937-3218 to get started. Finally, please be assured your feedback on route changes is heard as we consider future service changes.

Route 30 (Sherman - Wisconsin)

• Route 30 service frequency will be expanded to 10 minutes during the daytime as it replaces the GoldLine between downtown and UWM.
• Buses will stop at every CONNECT 1 BRT Station on Wisconsin Avenue between Van Buren Street and 35^th Street plus some existing bus stops.
• Drivers will be provided with longer layovers to help them provide reliable service.
• Buses will continue to operate from 4:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes.

Route 14 (Humboldt Blvd)

• Route 14 will be split in two separate routes to improve reliability and on time performance.
• New Route 14 (Humboldt Blvd) will primarily serve Humboldt Boulevard between Bayshore and Downtown Milwaukee. Riders can connect to the CONNECT 1 BRT Line or Route 30 at the Jackson & Wisconsin Station.
• Frequency of service will be improved to every 16 minutes versus every 20 min. today.
• Buses will continue to operate from 4:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
• A new Route 24 (Forest Home Avenue) will be created to primarily serve Forest Home Avenue (see below).
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes.

Route 24 (Forest Home – 16^th)

• Route 24 will serve Forest Home Avenue between Southridge and Wisconsin Avenue formerly served by Route 14. In addition, service will be extended north of Wisconsin Avenue to the MCTS Administration Building at 17^th & Fond du Lac via 16^th/17^th Streets.
• Frequency of service will be similar as it is today  (20 - 30 minutes).
• Buses will continue to operate from 4:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes.

BlueLine (Fond du Lac – Mill)

• The BlueLine will be reconfigured on the southern end to maximize connections with the CONNECT 1 BRT and Routes 12 and 24.
• Buses will no longer travel via 16^th/17^th Streets, Wisconsin Avenue, 6^th Street to the Intermodal Station.
• Buses will instead travel on 17^th Street to Highland Avenue, Highland Avenue to 12^th Street, 12^th Street to Wells and Wells to 6^th Street to the Intermodal Station. Northbound buses will follow the same streets.
• The BlueLine will continue to provide high-frequency service to riders.
• Buses will continue to operate from 4:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes. 

Route 21 (North Avenue)

• Route 21 will be expanded to maintain year-round service on Downer Avenue between North Avenue and UWM.
• Route 21 will continue to provide high-frequency service to riders on Downer Avenue.
• Buses will continue to operate from 4:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes. 

Route 51 (Oklahoma Avenue)

• A limited number of trips will be added to Route 51 to serve employees who work at senior apartments on S. Superior Street / Lake Drive.
• Buses will travel on Oklahoma Avenue and south on Superior/ S. Lake Drive to the bus stop at 3321 S. Lake Dr. for both drop offs and pickups. Buses will continue south and turn around at the Archdiocese Center and return to Oklahoma Avenue to the layover on New York Ave.
• Route 51 will continue to provide high-frequency service to riders on Oklahoma Avenue.
• Buses will continue to operate from 4:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
• Click here to view an interactive map of change.

Waukesha Metro Route 1 (Waukesha - Froedtert)

• Starting June 4, Waukesha Metro Route 1 (Waukesha - Froedtert) will be extended from Brookfield Square to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
• Daytime buses will arrive every 15 minutes on weekdays, 20 minutes on Saturdays, and 35 min. on Sundays.
• Riders can connect to Route 1 from the CONNECT 1 BRT, Route 31, and Route 92.
• Riders will be able to easily access new employment opportunities in both Brookfield and Waukesha.
• Click here to view an interactive map of changes. 

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) invites riders to attend our virtual community education meeting in May to learn more about the new CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line which starts service June 4. Transit planners will explain the adjustments and route changes and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions related to navigating these new services.

Virtual Meeting Monday, May 22, Virtual Meeting @ 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. 

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mszmju7y  

Fall Changes 2023 (TBD)

Winter Changes 2023 (TBD)

Spring Changes 2024 (TBD)

Use the Trip Planning features on RideMCTS.com and the Umo app to find the routes that work best for you. With WisGo in the Umo App, planning your trip has never been easier. Just enter your destination, choose your route, and purchase your fare.