Ongoing Fiscal Challenges Push Milwaukee to Recommend Pausing BRT Project

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is recommending to the Milwaukee County board of supervisors to pause the CONNECT 2 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project due to a current lack of funding and ongoing fiscal challenges.

The recommendation will be considered by the board’s Transportation and Transit Committee in early September.

The CONNECT 2 Project

Originally planned to enhance public transit service along 27th Street, the CONNECT 2 BRT line would travel across five municipalities, as well as a state roadway, to connect residents with jobs, education, medical facilities, and economic centers.

It would also replace one of the county’s busiest bus routes, the PurpleLine, with shorter wait times, faster travel times, and premium transit stations.

Fiscal Issues

Currently, MCTS does not have a sustainable funding source.

The 0.4% sales tax increase implemented by Milwaukee County in 2024 prevented major cuts to transit service. However, recently, the Milwaukee County Office of Strategy, Budget, and Performance projected lower-than-expected sales tax revenues.

Additionally, a report from the Milwaukee County Comptroller shows financial gaps in the transit operations budget as soon as 2025, growing into an annual shortfall exceeding $15 million by 2028, which is the same year that CONNECT 2 was set to launch.

Pausing the CONNECT 2 project at the current phase frees up potentially $15 million in one-time temporary funds that can be directed toward MCTS operating costs to maintain current service levels and avoid route disruptions, according to the agency.

What’s Next?

The current PurpleLine route will continue serving riders along 27th Street.

MCTS will also continue working with partners to seek out dedicated funding for the CONNECT 2 project from state, federal, and local sources.