MCTS Reveals Strategies to Combat Rising Bus Fare Evasion Rates

Milwaukee County's Committee on Transportation and Transit convened on September 3, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding fare evasion on public transit, particularly focusing on the Connect 1 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. The meeting highlighted a significant rise in fare evasion rates, which have escalated from 30% in 2024 to 33% in early 2025, with even higher rates reported on the Connect 1 route.

The committee discussed the impact of policy changes made in 2022, which aimed to enhance safety for bus operators by discontinuing fare requests during boarding. This strategy has reportedly led to a 42% decrease in assaults on operators. However, the challenge of fare evasion persists, prompting the need for innovative solutions.

To combat this issue, the committee is exploring various strategies, including the implementation of educational campaigns and the introduction of fare ambassadors. These ambassadors are intended to engage with passengers, educate them about fare payment, and foster a more positive transit environment. The committee also noted the importance of transitioning to open-loop payment systems, allowing riders to use credit cards and mobile payment options, which could simplify the fare payment process.

While these initiatives are budget-neutral, the committee acknowledged that additional investments may be necessary to enhance security and enforcement measures. Proposals for increased staffing and resources to support these efforts could cost upwards of $1.1 million annually.

The meeting underscored the complexity of addressing fare evasion, a challenge faced by transit agencies nationwide. As Milwaukee County seeks to implement these strategies, the committee remains committed to improving compliance and ensuring a safe and equitable transit system for all riders.