Milwaukee County Buses Introduce Tap-to-Pay Option Amid Budget Deficit

New contactless payment method aims to reduce fare evasion and boost revenue for the transit system.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:56am

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio still life of a modern bus fare payment terminal made of polished metal and glass, floating on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to showcase the premium materials and design.A new contactless payment system aims to reduce fare evasion and boost revenue for Milwaukee's public transit system.Today in Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has introduced a new tap-to-pay option that allows riders to use their debit cards, credit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches to pay fares. This change comes as MCTS faces a significant budget deficit, with fare evasion accounting for millions in lost revenue. The transit agency has taken steps to crack down on fare evasion, including adding signage, hiring more security, and partnering with the sheriff's department.

Why it matters

Reducing fare evasion is crucial for MCTS to maintain its current level of service and avoid potential route and bus cuts due to budget shortfalls. The new tap-to-pay option provides a more convenient payment method that could encourage more riders to pay their fares, helping to shore up the transit system's finances.

The details

Last fall, MCTS found that about 8 million riders were not paying their fares before the agency cracked down on fare evasion. Since then, fare evasion has decreased from 33% of riders to 23%. The new tap-to-pay option is part of MCTS's efforts to continue reducing fare evasion and increase revenue. Riders can now use their debit cards, credit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches to pay fares, in addition to the existing WisGo card and Umo app options.

  • Last fall, MCTS found that about 8 million riders were not paying their fares.
  • From August to December of last year, MCTS saw fare evasion decrease from 33% of riders to 23% of riders.

The players

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)

The public transportation agency serving Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, which operates a network of bus routes throughout the region.

Shawn Rolland

A Milwaukee County Supervisor who has called fare evasion "taking money and sending it out the back door" and is pleased with the county's progress in reducing it.

Steve Fuentes

The President and CEO of MCTS, who stated that the new tap-to-pay option reflects the agency's commitment to creating a smoother, more flexible experience for bus riders while remaining fiscally sustainable.

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What they’re saying

“From August to December of last year we saw fare evasion decrease from 33% of riders to 23% of riders.”

— Shawn Rolland, Milwaukee County Supervisor

“Introducing contactless payment is another step toward creating a smoother, more flexible experience for our bus riders. Our goal is to make MCTS the best it can be while remaining fiscally sustainable, and contactless payment reflects that commitment. We look forward to continuing to explore and invest in new technologies as they become available for our riders.”

— Steve Fuentes, President and CEO, Milwaukee County Transit System

“I wish it would've happened sooner. I'm glad that it's here.”

— Shawn Rolland, Milwaukee County Supervisor

What’s next

MCTS leadership declined to comment on the specific details of the $20 million budget deficit projected for next year, and how that could impact service levels and routes.

The takeaway

The introduction of tap-to-pay options for Milwaukee County bus riders is a positive step in reducing fare evasion and boosting revenue for the transit system. However, the agency still faces significant financial challenges, including a looming $20 million budget deficit, that could lead to service cuts if not addressed. Continued efforts to improve fare collection and explore new revenue sources will be crucial for MCTS to maintain its current level of service.