Starting Thursday, Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) riders will pay $2.75 for a single ride, up from $2, the first fare increase in nearly two decades.The increase comes as MCTS faces a projected budget deficit of about $1 4 million in 2026, even after spending remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.Along with the fare increases, MCTS is set to roll out a service plan on Jan. 11 to maximize transit and paratransit services.Heres what you need to know:Fare Capping The fare increases extend beyond single rides. MCTS's fare capping system, which stops charging riders after they spend a certain amount on rides within set time periods, will also see increases.Daily (3 a.m. - 2:59 a.m) Regular Fare: $8.25 Reduced Fare: $4.00Weekly (calendar week, Monday to Sunday) Regular Fare: $33.00 Reduced Fare: $16.50Monthly (calendar month 1st - 31st) Regular Fare: $99.00 Reduced Fare: $49.50How to know if you qualify for reduced fare Regular fare applies to riders between the ages of 12-64. Riders who qualify for reduced fare are people between the ages of 65 and older, ages 6-11 or with a qualifying disability. Children 5 and under ride free.How to be eligible for fare capping To be eligible for fare capping, riders must pay using their WisGO card or the Umo mobile app account. The system only works if riders use the same payment type for all rides.Riders can still pay with cash, but will not receive the benefits of fare capping or transfers.Two-phase service plan In addition to the fare increases, starting Jan. 11, MCTS will roll out a two-phase service plan to maximize transit and paratransit services. The service changes outlined in the 2026 Service Plan will roll out in two phases: the Winter Service Plan and the Spring Service Plan.Phase I starts January 11, 2026, and will maintain all existing routes. Phase II is scheduled for March 8, 2026, as MCTS said it will continue to streamline service and ensure long-term sustainability.By postponing route segment elimination to March, MCTS said that winter passengers, who would be most impacted by changes, have more time to adjust to the reduction. PHASE I: Winter Service PlanThe Winter Service Plan continues current service levels on five routes previously targeted for segment elimination. It also provides peak service on six routes originally scheduled for full elimination, and reduces frequency on 16 routes as previously proposed.Continues current service levels on five routes previously scheduled for segment elimination: Route 11: Hampton Avenue Route 22: Center Street Route 24: Forest Home 16th Route 80: 6th Street Route 88: Brown Deer RoadProvides peak service on six routes originally scheduled for full elimination: Route 20: S. 20th Street Route 28: 108th Street Route 33: Vliet 84th Route 34: Hopkins Congress Route 55: Layton Avenue Route 58: Villard AvenueReduce frequency of service along 16 routes as previously proposed:Routes with Reduced Weekday Service Route 12: Teutonia Avenue Route 14: Humboldt Wisconsin Route 31: State Highland Route 51: Oklahoma Avenue Route 53: Lincoln Avenue Route 57: Walnut Appleton Route 60: 60th Street Route 63: Silver Spring Drive Routes with Reduced Saturday Service Route 18: National Greenfield Route 19: M.L. King S. 13th Route 21: North Avenue Route 31: State Highland Route 59: Drexel Avenue Route 74: S. 43rd Street GreenLine: Bayshore Airport PurpleLine: 27th Street RedLine: Capitol Drive Routes with Reduced Sunday Service Route 31: State Highland Route 59: Drexel Avenue Route 74: S. 43rd StreetPhase II: Spring Service PlanThe second round of updates is scheduled for March 8, 2026, as MCTS continues to streamline service and ensure long-term sustainability. With the seasonal service changes in the spring, MCTS will implement both segment and frequency reductions on these five routes as previously proposed:  Route 11: Hampton Avenue Route 22: Center Street Route 24: Forest Home 16th Route 80: 6th Street Route 88: Brown Deer RoadFor more details, click here.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip ...read more read less