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MCTS budget deficit, on track for a surplus this year
There are new details from the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) as it faces a $14 million budget deficit. Officials say they’re on track to end the year with a surplus.
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, but there are signs that the gap is closing.
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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.
Addressing the deficit
What we know:
But on Thursday, June 4, staff and county officials said they’re on track to end the year with a surplus.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says the surplus would be around $400,000.
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It's a small amount but still an optimistic one as the county plans to stay in the positive for years to come.
Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
It served as a progress report in the county’s plan to address the $14 million MCTS budget shortfall.
Strategies such as combatting fare evasion have resulted in evasion rates dropping from 33% to 24% since the start of 2026.
Certain bus routes were also cut, 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.
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$9 million of remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds was used as well, along with an additional $4.7 million in funding approved by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
MCTS President and CEO Steve Fuentes says next month the public can expect a program called "The Bus Network Redesign" to be launched. He says it'll be a collaborative approach from the public and stakeholders at various levels to stabilize funding.
The Source: FOX6 has previously reported on the budget deficit, and streamed the press conference with county officials and MCTS staff.