MCTS $14M budget deficit, Milwaukee County officials provide update
MCTS budget deficit; county officials discuss progress, challenges
Milwaukee County officials provided an update on the budget shortfall that Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is facing and what's being done to address it.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County officials provided an update on the budget shortfall that Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is facing and what's being done to address it.
MCTS is currently facing a $14 million budget deficit and next year, it could see an even larger deficit.
MCTS summer service changes begin June 7; what you need to know
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will launch its summer service changes beginning June 7.
Addressing the budget deficit
What we know:
MCTS has already been at work in addressing the gap. One piece of the game plan was to reduce certain bus routes, especially during off-peak hours or times when there are fewer passengers in the day.
Those changes began in January 2026 and a second phase started in March.
The 2026 service plan also includes using $9 million in remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
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The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors also approved an additional $4.7 million in funding for 2026.
MCTS says both avenues of funding play a large role in sustaining transit and para-transit services throughout the year.
The Source: FOX6 has previously reported on the budget deficit, and will stream the 9 a.m. press conference with county officials.