Changes to 11 bus routes begin Sunday as MCTS Next Phase 3 goes into effect | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
August 26, 2021
The last phase of MCTS Next will go into effect on Sunday, Aug. 29. (NNS file photo)
The final phase of MCTS Next, Milwaukee County Transit System’s largest overhaul in 50 years, will begin on Sunday, Aug. 29.
The project, which began in March, aims to increase high frequency routes and access to jobs and services on the bus lines.
Kristina Hoffman, director of marketing and communications for MCTS, said the transit system has seen a 15% increase in ridership since the first two phases were implemented.
Phase 3 will extend, adjust or establish 11 routes in the city, with Routes 64 and 67 will be retired.
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Here are the affected routes:
Blue Line – This route is being extended and adjusted to run from Clybourn and North 5 Street. downtown to North 124 and Bradley Street. This is a high frequency route.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Some stops are also being removed along this route.
Route 18 – This is a new route that will replace service from downtown to West Allis previously handled by the Blue Line. Buses will run from Greenfield Avenue to Water Street.
Here is a full list of stops on the route. For a video explaining the new route, click here. MCTS Planning Manager Jeff Sponcia said in an email that the route was meant to increase access for riders on the near South Side to downtown.
Route 22 – This route is being extended and adjusted to run from UWM to North 124 Street and North Avenue The new route will provide a connection to Mayfair Mall.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Some stops are also being removed along this route.
Route 28 – This route is being extended. Buses will travel from North Lovers Lane and Silver Spring Drive to Speedway Drive and South Lovers Lane.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Here is a list of stops being removed from Route 28.
Route 54 – This route is being extended to add service to Holt Avenue and Chase Avenue. Buses travel from National Avenue and South 70 Street to Holt Avenue and Chase Avenue.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Here is a list of stops being removed from Route 54.
Route 55 – Some stops along this route are being removed and routing is being adjusted.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Here is a list of stops being removed from Route 55.
Route 56 – This route is being changed to increase access to businesses along Miller Park Way. It runs from South 1 Street and Mitchell Street to Loomis Road and South 29 Street. The route runs along Greenfield Avenue.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Here is a list of stops being removed from Route 56.
Route 60 – This route is being adjusted to provide high frequency service from Brown Deer Road to National Avenue. The route will run along 60 Street.
For a video explaining the route changes, click here. Here is a full list of stops for Route 60.
Route 66 – This is a new route that will replace service from Route 60 between UWM and Mayfair Mall.
For a video explaining the new route, click here. Here is a list of stops along Route 66 that will be removed for balancing.
Route 76 – This route is being adjusted to provide high frequency service from Brown Deer Road to Southridge Mall on South 76 Street. The route will run along 76 Street.
Here is a video explaining the changes to Route 76. Here is a full list of stops for Route 76.
Route 92 – This is a new route that will provide service from Heather and North 107 Street. to Layton Avenue. and South 87 Street. Notably, it will connect riders with the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. The route will run along 92 Street.
For a video explaining the new route, click here. Here is a full list of stops for Route 92.
In case you missed it:
More bus route changes take place Sunday, June 6: Here’s what you need to know
Bus routes throughout Milwaukee County will change beginning March 7. Here’s what you need to know.