Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) now offers customers enhanced flexibility and convenience through WisGo, its new fare payment system powered by Cubic Transportation Systems’ Umo Mobility platform.

With fare capping enabled, riders now pay as they go, saving money the more they ride, without the need to pay upfront for a daily, weekly, or monthly pass.

With WisGo, the communities served by MCTS will benefit from an improved transportation experience that is made to fit the needs of all transit riders regardless of their payment method. The new fare collection system also serves those without smartphones or who do not have a bank account. Riders can pay for their transit trips whichever way they prefer, including via mobile phones using the Umo Mobility app, a WisGo smart card reloadable online or at retail outlets, or cash onboard the buses.

Neighboring agencies may also join WisGo to enable seamless connectivity between transit systems for riders throughout the greater Milwaukee region. Waukesha Metro Transit is the first to join WisGo, making regional connectivity between Waukesha and Milwaukee counties frictionless.

“Milwaukee County deserves what transit-savvy cities around the globe offer: a flexible, easy-to-use fare collection system. With WisGo’s account-based system, riders get access to the best price through fare capping, a simpler fare structure and the convenience of multiple ways to pay,” said MCTS Interim Managing Director Denise Wandke. “We are always looking at ways to enhance the rider experience, and introducing Milwaukee to a more regional and national travel planning system is not only going to do that but also make it easier for new riders to try public transit.”

“Our partnership with MCTS gives riders a more equitable travel experience, and we are proud to be part of the evolution of mobility in Milwaukee,” added Bonnie Crawford, VP/GM of Cubic’s Umo. “With fare capping as a new benefit, transit riders will always pay the fairest fare. With the introduction of fare capping, MCTS joins other world-class transit cities like London and New York.”

The WisGo program is being rolled out through a phased approach: the Umo mobile app launches in March, followed by the full system going live in April including smart cards. When fully implemented, WisGo will provide seamless regional connectivity for commuters traveling to and from Milwaukee County and eventually throughout the southeastern Wisconsin region as other agencies join the program.