Milwaukee Buses Will Have Full Passenger Capacity July 1

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee County Transit System announced Tuesday it will lift the passenger capacity limit on its buses Thursday. People on board will still have to wear masks regardless of vaccination status, the service said.

Milwaukee buses will return to full capacity for the first time since capacity was lowered in April 2020. The service added that the return to full capacity comes as more people in Milwaukee County get vaccinated.

"Returning to full capacity on buses enables MCTS to better serve those who need reliable, on-time transportation to work, school, medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other important destinations," the service said.

The capacity changes are consistent with national transit trends and relaxed guidelines from health officials, the service said.

The service made a list of COVID-19-related policies and procedures that passengers should be aware of:

• Federal regulations still require the use of masks while riding public transportation, regardless of vaccination status. This federal requirement from the Transportation Security Administration supersedes any local or state mask policies and is expected to last until Sept. 13.
• MCTS has free mask and hand sanitizer dispensers available on all buses.
• Passengers are encouraged to use best practices: wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick, limit unnecessary conversations and interaction and use staggered seating when possible.
• MCTS is using an innovative air filtration treatment that coats each bus’s regular HVAC filters with a specialized polymer system that is independently tested to control bacteria and pathogens that house viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.
• Buses go through extra disinfection processes using EPA-approved and CDC-recommended products in addition to the standard cleaning that vehicles receive regularly.
• Passengers are encouraged to use contactless fare payment methods like the M-CARD and Ride MCTS app to ensure fast, touch-free experiences while boarding.
• Passengers should enter the bus through the front door and exit via the rear door (unless the ramp of the bus is needed).

The MCTS Administration Building, located on 1942 N. 17th St., will reopen to visitors on July 1, the service said. Visitors must wear masks inside and guests staying for an extended period of time will have to take a temperature check. Building hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.