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Riding MCTS During the RNC

Welcome Aboard! MCTS is looking forward to keeping Milwaukee County moving during the Republic National Convention (RNC). Follow these quick and easy steps to ride.

 

The RNC is taking place in the City of Milwaukee from Monday, July 15, through Thursday, July 18, 2024.

 

Fixed Route Service

Due to heavy traffic and significant detours around the security perimeter, there will be delays downtown.  MCTS buses will not enter the security perimeter. Riders are asked to plan for delays and factor in a little extra time for travel. MCTS will provide a list of known service changes closer to the start of the convention on RideMCTS.com. We encourage you to stay up to date on detours and service changes by checking the Umo App on your mobile phone, visiting RideMCTS.com/Alerts, and following MCTS social media accounts at @RideMCTS.

Download the Umo App to plan your trip, track your bus, and pay your fare.

    1. Board quickly with WisGo in the Umo app. Download the Umo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
    2. Sign up for detour alerts in the Umo app. Click “Favorite” on your most-used routes to get the latest detour updates via phone.
  2. Subscribe to Rider Insider
    1. Join Rider Insider to get daily updates during the RNC.
       
  3. Use Real-Time Information
    1. Changes to the RNC’s security perimeter may happen on short notice. Check your bus arrival in real time so you have a better idea of when your ride is coming:
    2. How to access Real-Time Bus Arrival Information:
      1. Arrivals by Umo app  
        1. Download here.
      2. Arrivals by web
        1. Visit RideMCTS.com.
        2. You can also see real-time info on any of the individual routes on our schedule page.
      3. Arrivals by text
        1. Text MCTS and the three or four bus stop ID number to 41411.
        2. Make sure to leave a space between MCTS and the bus stop ID.
        3. Standard text messaging and data rates apply.
      4. Please note: Routes that typically run within the security perimeter will be on detour during the RNC. Please expect delays to these routes, along with any connecting routes or routes downtown, during the convention.
  4. Visit or call MCTS offices!
    1. We will remain open our normal business hours during the RNC:
      1. MCTS Administrative Office
        414-937-3218
        1942 N. 17th Street
        Milwaukee, WI 53205
        Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
      2. Customer Service Call Center
        414-937-3218
        Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
      3. Kinnickinnic Station
        1710 S. Kinnickinnic Ave #1716
        Milwaukee, WI 53204
        Monday – Sunday 24/7
      4. Fond du Lac Station
        3343 W. Fond du Lac Ave #3201
        Milwaukee, WI 53210
        Monday – Sunday 24/7
  5. Enjoy Your Ride!

 

ParaTransit Transit Plus Service

Milwaukee County Transit System’s Transit Plus vans will be able to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter for scheduled drop-offs only. Paratransit riders should download the My Transit Manager app on their mobile phone to track their trip in real-time. Anyone visiting Milwaukee County for the RNC who is paratransit-eligible in their home community can request ADA visitor status by calling 414-343-1701 at least one day prior to arrival. Paratransit riders will be subject to the same security screenings as others, so plan for extra travel time when scheduling your ride. MCTS will provide a comprehensive list of known service changes closer to the start of the convention on RideMCTS.com. 

  1. Transit Plus vans will be allowed to pass through the RNC outer perimeter through dedicated checkpoints.
    1. Please check back in the future when specific checkpoint locations are announced.
  2. While at the checkpoint, the vans will be scanned and evaluated by security personnel.
  3. The inner security perimeter border has not been released, but only people with pre-approved RNC credentials, including delegates, RNC staff/volunteers and media will be allowed to enter.
  4. No vehicular traffic will be allowed into the “inner” perimeter.
    1. If a credentialed rider wishes to enter the “inner” perimeter and requires assistance, they should plan to travel with a credentialed PCA. The van driver will not be allowed to enter to help.
  5. The final perimeter boundary and checkpoint locations are subject to change. Updated information will be shared as it becomes available. Please check back closer to the event.
  6. If anyone is visiting Milwaukee for the RNC and is paratransit eligible in their home community, they can request ADA visitor status by calling 414-343-1701 at least one day prior to arrival. More information can be found here.

 

RNC Security Perimeter

The operational security plan for the 2024 RNC is complete. The United States Secret Service has released a comprehensive public impact map of the area affected by the operational security plan. Learn more here.

RNC Security Perimeter Map