Contact:
Anna Schryver
MCTS Marketing and Communications Manager
(414) 937-3251
aschryver@mcts.org
Free WisGo Card Offer Expires June 30, 2023
MILWAUKEE (June 28, 2023) — Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) reached the halfway point in its six-month switch to a new fare collection system called WisGo. MCTS moved to WisGo, a more modern, equitable fare collection system, on April 1. The new payment method allows fare capping, so riders will never have to pay more than the cost of a daily, weekly, or monthly pass, without the inconvenience of having to pre-purchase passes. Riders have three more months to make the change from the M-Card to WisGo before the September 30 deadline.
Here’s what riders need to know about the transition from the old system to the new one:
Free WisGo Card Offer Expires June 30
Free WisGo cards are still available. Starting July 1, WisGo full fare cards will cost $2 each. Buy a new WisGo card at over 65 locations or reload an existing card at over 150 locations across Milwaukee County. Riders may also conveniently reload cards online at UmoPass.com. So far, more than 40,000 cards have been distributed. Find the full list of locations at RideMCTS.com/WisGoLocations.
Umo Mobile App Available Anytime
To date, more than double the number of riders are choosing the Umo mobile app over the WisGo card. More than 100,000 downloads of the app have occurred. The Umo app supports all smart phones.
M-Cards Can No Longer Be Reloaded After July 31
The M-Card reload deadline is July 31. Starting August 1, you will not be able to add value or passes to your M-Card, as the system enters the wind-down phase. Riders will need to use up their M-Card balances by September 30. If you have un-used value, call Customer Service at 414-937-3218 to transfer the balance over to a WisGo card.
M-Cards Will No Longer Be Valid After September 30
Riders are encouraged to make the switch before October 1, at which point M-Cards will no longer be valid on any MCTS routes. Riders can scan their Umo app or WisGo cards or pay cash going forward, but cash rides will not include a transfer after September 30.
Free Rides on CONNECT 1 BRT End September 30
All rides on the CONNECT 1 BRT are free, thanks to a sponsorship by Umo Mobility, the company powering WisGo. Starting October 1, riders will need to pay before they board using the validators on the BRT platforms. Validators accept WisGo cards, the Umo app, or disposable tickets purchased at the Ticket Vending Machines on the platform.
How to Transition to WisGo
- Download the Umo app
Visit the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app to a smart phone.
- Buy or reload a WisGo Card
Check out RideMCTS.com/WisGoLocations to see the full map and list of locations.
- Visit MCTS for a Reduced Fare WisGo card
Seniors, children under 12, and riders with a qualifying disability will need to visit MCTS to obtain a new or replacement Reduced Fare WisGo card. Transit Plus bus-riders and former GoPass users will also need to make the switch to this new reduced fare card. See the application form at RideMCTS.com/ReducedFare.
- U-Pass & CVP card holders
Those whose university or employer are enrolled in the U-Pass or Commuter Value Pass Program will be transitioned to the new WisGo system. Students may contact the university’s transit office or student life office, and employees may contact their company’s HR department to learn more.
