The Milwaukee County Transit System has recommended pausing the CONNECT 2 Bus Rapid Transit Project due to "a current lack of funding and ongoing fiscal challenges."
MCTS has made this recommendation to the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors and will be considered by the County Board's Transportation and Transit Committee on September 4, 2024. The CONNECT 2 Bus Rapid Transit was originally set to launch in 2028.
The CONNECT 2 Bus Rapid Transit line would travel across five municipalities connecting people from Bayshore Mall in Glendale all the way to the IKEA in Oak Creek. The CONNECT 2 would replace the PurpleLine, one of the county's busiest bus routes.
MCTS says they do not currently have "a sustainable funding source." In 2024 Milwaukee County implemented a 0.4% sales tax increase, preventing major cuts to transit service.
However, lower-than-expected sales tax revenues have been projected by the Milwaukee County Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance.
The Milwaukee County Comptroller has reported financial gaps in the transit operations budget as soon as 2025, growing into an annual shortfall exceeding $15 million by 2028.
Pausing the CONNECT 2 project in its current phase could potentially free up $15 million in one-time temporary funds, says MCTS. Those funds would be directed to MCTS operating costs to maintain current services and avoid route disruptions.
MCTS says the PurpleLine will continue to transport people along 27th St. as they continue to seek funding.
VisitRideMCTS for more information on the Milwaukee County Transit System.
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