Milwaukee County’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line enters the final construction stage with the painting of dedicated lane stripes, according to MCTS's news release. 

The dedicated bus lanes, a collaboration between MCTS and the City of Milwaukee, are a component of the modernized transit route.

MCTS battery-electric buses will deliver service, with 10-minute headways at peak times along the route.

The BRT line, called MCTS CONNECT, begins service on June 4, 2023.

The CONNECT 1’s nine-mile route is nearly an even 50/50 split between dedicated lanes and mixed traffic from Downtown Milwaukee to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Complex in Wauwatosa.

The dedicated bus lanes are along the right travel lane of the eastern portion of the route, on Wisconsin Avenue from Hawley Road to 8th Street and Plankinton Avenue to Cass Street.

“Modernizing public transit through the BRT has taken nearly five years to achieve,” said Denise Wandke, MCTS president and interim managing director. “We’re excited to introduce Milwaukee County to this enhanced travel experience. Dedicated bus lanes are proven to increase safety for not only buses and cars but for pedestrians and cyclists, too.” 

Lane installation begins this Tuesday, weather permitting, and will continue for three to four weeks.

The lanes will be designated using pavement markings and permanent signage. Access will be maintained to parallel parking and driveways. After yielding to buses, motorists will be permitted to enter the dedicated bus lane for right turns and parallel park in designated areas. Motorists are not allowed to travel in the dedicated bus lanes, but cyclists are.

How to Use Dedicated Bus Lanes

To keep traffic running smoothly, MCTS said motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should follow these guidelines:

For motorists:

• After yielding to the bus, motorists may access the dedicated bus lanes to access driveways and designated parallel parking.

• After yielding to the bus and obeying pavement markings (dashed striping), motorists may access the dedicated bus lanes to make right turns at intersections.

• When parking in designated parking areas, make sure your entire vehicle, including side mirrors, is inside the parking lane, and use caution when opening doors as buses, bikes, and vehicles could be approaching from behind you.

• Never park your vehicle in the bus-only lane, even temporarily.

For pedestrians: 

• Only cross the dedicated bus lanes at designated crosswalks, wait for the appropriate signals, and look in all directions before crossing the dedicated bus lanes.

• Never cross or run in front of an approaching bus and avoid entering the dedicated bus lane from between two parked vehicles.

• Take a break from your electronic devices. Remove your headphones so you can hear traffic in the dedicated bus lane, and don’t walk and text when crossing the BRT route.

For cyclists: 

• Cyclists are allowed to travel in the dedicated bus lane.

• Be aware of approaching vehicles.

• Use hand signals to indicate turning.