Milwaukee County Lands $8 Million Federal Grant to Upgrade Buses, Transit Service

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WAUK) – Milwaukee County will receive nearly $8 million in federal grant funding to upgrade its transit system, including replacing aging buses, improving traffic signals, and launching an outreach campaign to boost ridership.

The money is part of $22 million awarded statewide through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Most of Milwaukee’s share will go toward replacing 20 older diesel buses with newer clean-diesel models. Another $1.1 million is set aside to add transponders to 85 buses, allowing the city to optimize traffic signals along 6th and Water streets and shorten route times. A $1 million campaign will also aim to reduce vehicle use by promoting public transit to those driving alone.

County Executive David Crowley called the funds a critical investment, saying they will help MCTS modernize service and connect more people to jobs, schools and health care.

The grant comes as MCTS faces significant budget challenges, including a nearly $11 million deficit and growing concerns about fare evasion. Earlier this summer, the transit system cut service hours on several routes to reduce costs.