Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) paratransit service is expanding the Transit Plus Same Day pilot program. Approximately 5,000 Milwaukee County Transit Plus riders, including last-minute wellness trips, are eligible for the expanded program.

Exploring Urgent Trip Service

Operated by Via, the pilot now offers trips vital for health, employment, and well-being that cannot be scheduled the day before.

When established in September 2024, the pilot's goal was to test and explore urgent trip service. Feedback on the pilot shows an average of 4.7 out of 5 from riders.

Staff also received the following testimonial from a grateful mother:

“Due to her medical condition, my daughter occasionally forgets to schedule her ride the day before and this program has been a huge resource for her,” said Sonia Broughton. “Recently, she forgot to schedule a necessary ride, and having a same-day option greatly reduced her anxiety. I’m very excited about this option and impressed by the service.”

Expanding the Pilot Program

Early results found that more types of last-minute trips beyond health or employment needed to be added to the pilot. Things like needing to visit the grocery store to purchase milk were considered as part of the expansion.

“At the launch, we predicted there would be adjustments to the pilot as we learned more,” Transit Plus Director Fran Musci said. “That’s why, going forward, the pilot service will also transport riders to wellbeing meetings, appointments, and life events that come up on short notice. For all other travel that can be scheduled in advance, our ADA van service is here to help.”

The Milwaukee County annual budget funds the Transit Plus Same Day pilot.

Rides are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Same Day Pilot app or by calling the program. They can be booked and paid for with a debit or credit card. Riders must present their Transit Plus ID upon boarding.

The service will be available until pilot funds run out, which is estimated to be around fall of 2025.