Your Fare

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is committed to providing equitable, accessible, and dependable public transportation for all riders. By applying a clearer, more consistent approach to fare collection, we aim to deliver reliable, high-quality transit services while strengthening and reinforcing the long-term financial sustainability of our system.

Your Fare...is Required

Support the System

Paying your fare is required every time you ride MCTS. Fares help sustain long-term service and support the community of riders who depend on transit.
Access & Reliability

A valid fare ensures access to the transit system and helps keep buses running on time.
Polite Reminders

MCTS staff and Public Safety Officers (PSOs) will remind passengers to pay their fare politely and professionally.

Your Fare...Your Responsibility

Have a Valid Fare

When boarding, you're expected to have a valid fare (WisGo card, Umo app, cash, or other approved payment).
Show Proof if Asked

Staff may ask you to show proof of your fare and make a record if you ride without paying.
Respect the System

Paying your fare demonstrates respect for the service and your fellow riders.

Your Fare...Makes a Difference.

Your fare…keeps the system moving

Fare revenue ensures buses run on time, routes are maintained, and service is reliable. With over 360 buses traveling approximately 17 million miles each year, fares help keep our system moving for Milwaukee County riders.

Your fare…funds service

Each $2.75 fare contributes directly to keeping routes operating, supporting improvements, and sustaining long-term service.

Your fare…supports our community

Paying your fare helps provide equitable, accessible transportation for all Milwaukee County residents. Fares contribute about 14% of our revenue — roughly $25 million — helping keep buses running and communities connected.

The above statistics come from our 2024 Annual Report.

How our Staff Ensures a Safe, Respectful Ride

Our staff is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful ride for every MCTS passenger. Here’s how operators and Public Safety Officers ensure a positive transit experience.

Polite Fare Reminders

Operators and PSOs politely inform passengers of the fare if unpaid.

Professional Conduct

Staff remain calm, respectful and not escalate conflicts.

Safety First

Incidents are recorded electronically for monitoring and follow-up to ensure everyone’s safety.

Why We Made This Policy Update

Safety

To protect operators, passengers, and PSOs by reducing confrontations and ensuring clear procedures.

Consistency

To apply fair, standardized procedures across all routes and interactions.

Sustainability

To strengthen the long-term financial health of MCTS, allowing service to continue and grow.

Professionalism

To ensure operators and PSOs handle fare enforcement respectfully, maintaining public trust.

Clarity

To make expectations clear to riders: paying your fare is required, and staff will enforce this safely and politely.

Unfamiliar With Our Fare System?

Get all the details about WisGo fares, the Umo app and more!

Current Fares

Adult Regular Fare

For riders ages 12–64.

$2^{75 per ride}Fare Capping
$8.25 Daily
$33 Weekly
$99 Monthly

Reduced Fare

For riders 65+ & ages 6-11 or with a qualifying disability. Children 5 and under ride free.

$1^{25 per ride}Fare Capping
$4 Daily
$16.50 Weekly
$49.50 Monthly

*Riders can still pay with cash but they will not get the benefits of fare capping or transfers

Click here to apply for Reduced Fare

Click here to learn even more about our fares