METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Milwaukee County Transit boasts highest-rated transit, ticketing app

The app was developed in partnership with Tixora, a Wisconsin-based start-up company that has worked with MCTS since 2016.

November 11, 2019
Milwaukee County Transit boasts highest-rated transit, ticketing app

With a fleet of 370 clean diesel buses and a dedicated team of 1,000-plus operators, mechanics, and administrative staff, MCTS provides 30 million rides annually.

MCTS

2 min to read


With a fleet of 370 clean diesel buses and a dedicated team of 1,000-plus operators, mechanics, and administrative staff, MCTS provides 30 million rides annually. MCTS

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) reported its Ride MCTS app is now the highest-rated customized transit tracking and mobile ticketing app in North America. In less than two years, the app has been downloaded more than 100,000 times, received thousands of positive reviews, and achieved an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in the iOS App Store.

App users can purchase a 90-minute ticket for $2 or a 24-hour ticket for $5. Some of the app’s other popular features include trip planning, detour alerts, real-time arrival estimates, and live tracking maps — which physically show where a specific bus is at any given moment.

Ad Loading...

Ride MCTS App by the Numbers

100,000: Downloads.

740,000: Tickets purchased.

6,220,000: Times riders have used the app to plan a trip, get arrival information or track a bus.

3,000: Positive reviews left on the Apple App Store.

4.8 out of 5: Average rating on the Apple App Store.

The app was developed in partnership with Tixora, a Wisconsin-based start-up company that has worked with MCTS since 2016.

MCTS, which was honored this year with a prestigious Innovation Award from the American Public Transportation Association, has grown from a single horse-drawn streetcar in 1860 to the largest transit system in the state. With a fleet of 370 clean diesel buses and a dedicated team of 1,000-plus operators, mechanics, and administrative staff, MCTS provides 30 million rides annually.

The agency recently introduced more than two dozen state-of-the-art GILLIG buses, which feature improved fuel economy, lower emissions, optimized driver visibility, anti-slip flooring, easier-to-read digital display signs, a stainless-steel understructure designed to reduce salt corrosion, and heated side mirrors to help melt snow and ice.

More Technology

Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
Steve Goodreau
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 6, 2026

Trackless Rapid Transit: Hype or Viable Option?

Steve Goodreau of WSP explores the technology’s promise, limitations and where it may fit in the evolving transit landscape.

Read More →
Terrel Smith

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
An MBTA paratransit vehicle.

FINAL CALL: Apply Now for METRO's 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards

Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →