Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced that it has chosen the Umo Mobility Platform by Cubic Transportation Systems as its new fare collection system following a competitive process that began last May.

Umo is a national fare collection system that will connect MCTS riders to not only its bus services but to other forms of transit across the region.

The new fare collection system is expected to launch in fall of 2022.

“Making public transit more accessible is key to achieving racial equity in Milwaukee County. To create more connected communities, we must reduce the barriers that keep our neighborhoods, and their residents, separated today,” said David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive. “MCTS is working to reduce barriers to accessing public transit by introducing flexibility in transit fare collection to accommodate the needs of all potential riders.”

The new fare collection system is made to fit the needs of all transit riders, including those without smartphones or who don’t have a bank account. Riders can choose to pay for their transit trips whichever way they prefer, including via contactless credit cards, mobile phones using the new app, a new smart card reloadable online or at retail outlets, or cash on board the buses. 

“The ability to fare cap means riders can purchase as much or as little as they can afford, and still get the discount of a weekly or monthly pass," said Dan Boehm, MCTS managing director. "The new system recognizes when riders reach the equivalent of a pass, and automatically rewards them with free rides for the remainder of the period. Now, everyone can access a faster, more convenient way to pay and travel to jobs, education, entertainment and other destinations.”