MCTS seeks plan to curb fare evasion amid $10 million deficit

The Milwaukee County Committee on Transportation and Transit convened on July 9, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding the county's public transit system, particularly focusing on fare evasion and its financial implications. The meeting, held in Room 203-R and live-streamed for public access, featured discussions that highlighted the challenges faced by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS).

One of the key speakers, a long-time commuter and value pass holder, shared personal experiences with the bus system, emphasizing its importance for daily transportation. However, the speaker raised concerns about a growing culture of fare evasion, noting that approximately one in four passengers does not pay for their ride. This observation was supported by anecdotal evidence from a recent bus trip, where a significant number of passengers boarded without paying.

The speaker pointed out that fare evasion is particularly prevalent on the Connect 1 route, where compliance appears to be low. They suggested that the lack of enforcement and awareness among passengers contributes to this issue. The speaker urged the committee to consider the financial ramifications of fare evasion, highlighting that reducing the rate from 25% to 15% could potentially generate an additional $3 million in revenue, which would significantly alleviate the county's $10 million deficit.

The resolution proposed during the meeting called for MCTS to develop a comprehensive plan to address fare evasion. The speaker encouraged MCTS to explore successful strategies implemented in other cities and to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure that any solutions are equitable and do not penalize those who genuinely cannot afford to pay.

Supervisor Balinski echoed the sentiments expressed, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. He emphasized that public transit is a public good, and the fares collected only cover a fraction of the overall costs. He underscored the necessity of maintaining a robust transit system, as its absence would lead to greater challenges for the community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore solutions to fare evasion and its impact on the transit system's sustainability. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for effective strategies to enhance compliance while ensuring that public transit remains accessible to all residents.