MCTS launches three new bus routes to help connect riders with schools & job opportunities

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There are many people in Milwaukee who rely on public transportation. The good news for those folks is that the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has unveiled new routes that are meant to connect riders to schools and job centers in Waukesha and Washington counties.

Three new bus routes, including two new MetroEXpress routes were launched on Sunday, January 18th. Major modifications have been made to two other routes.

Two New MetroEXpress Routes

- Route 61 (Appleton - Keefe)

Modified Routes

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and MCTS worked together to secure more than $17 million in federal grants to help pay for the new Gold and Purple express routes.

The PurpleLine operates between Green Bay Avenue & Hampton Avenue and 27th Street & Sycamore Avenue. The GoldLine runs between UWM and Brookfield Square Mall.

"It decreases parking pressure and reduces congestion and lowers UWM's carbon footprint," UWM Vice Chancellor Robin Van Harpen said.

The New Route 61 operates between 35th Street & Capitol Drive and Appleton Avenue & County Line Road in Waukesha County. Route 61 will also travel to the Germantown Industrial Park (weekday shift times only) in Washington County.

"This is a whole lot more transit and access. This is a system that currently takes about 151,000 riders a day -- about 40,000 of them every day to work. Adding access to jobs and work in Waukesha, both communities are getting access to workforces, employers on both sides are getting access to more employees," Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said.

Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas says the new routes will have a huge impact on economic development.

"The future of the whole economy in the state of Wisconsin rises and falls on what happens right here in Waukesha and Milwaukee County. These two counties represent almost 29% of the state's economy," Vrakas said.

CLICK HERE to access bus routes and schedules via MCTS.com.

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