MCTS Announces Ridership Numbers on CONNECT 1

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced Wisconsin’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, called CONNECT 1, delivered approximately 16,800 rides during the first week of service from June 4 through June 10.

“By modernizing transit, the BRT provides Milwaukee County with the transportation options people need to get to work, school, and appointments more quickly and efficiently. With sustainable funding, the County could continue to see the positive economic impact transit has on the businesses and destinations that transit brings people to,” said David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive.

MCTS CONNECT 1: Week One At-a-Glance

CONNECT 1 carried an average of 2,800 rides per weekday. 

The top CONNECT 1 destinations across the nine-mile route are below: 

• Downtown Milwaukee – 700 rides per day
• Marquette University – 500 rides per day
• Milwaukee Regional Medical Center – 200 rides per day 
• The most popular station is at Water Street, with 300 rides a day. 

CONNECT 1 riders are also taking advantage of the connection to Waukesha’s Metro Route 1 to access jobs and services in Waukesha County. Metro 1 ridership has increased from approximately 300 rides per day to 700. 

Approximately 20 people who use mobility devices ride CONNECT 1 per day. 

The mixed BRT fleet consists of seven battery-electric buses and five clean diesels, with more buses added during peak times.