MCTS bus riders should expect route changes during Milwaukee’s RNC
Bus riders can expect delays and should factor in extra time to travel via bus during next month’s Republican National Convention, says Milwaukee County Transit System.
Officials expect tens of thousands of visitors to Wisconsin and thousands of police officers in the city during the week of July 15-18. Here’s what to know if you’re planning on taking the bus during the RNC next month:
What part of downtown Milwaukee is restricted to the general public?
The “hard zone,” or the area that is controlled by the Secret Service with credentials required to enter, will encompass Fiserv Forum, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center, the main spaces where the convention will take place.
The irregularly shaped area, also referred to as the “pedestrian restricted perimeter” stretches from West McKinley Avenue on the north to just past West Wisconsin Avenue to the south. The area encompasses Pere Marquette Park on the east side and stretches past North Lovell Street on the west.
Restrictions for this area will begin at 6 p.m. on July 14.
RELATED:Fenced-in perimeter, demonstration areas for RNC announced. What to know.
Will MCTS bus routes be impacted by the restrictions in downtown Milwauke?
MCTS will provide a list of known service changes closer to the start of the convention on its website RideMCTS.com. MCTS is encouraging riders to stay up to date on detours by checking the Umo App, or visiting RideMCTS.com/Alerts, and following MCTS social media accounts at @RideMCTS.
These routes pass near Fiserv Forum and could be affected by the RNC.
How will MCTS’s Transit Plus vans be affected by the RNC?
MCTS’s Transit Plus vans will be able to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter for scheduled drop-offs only. Those planning to ride paratransit should download the My Transit Manager app on their phone to track trips in real-time.
Visitors can request ADA visitor status by calling 414-343-1701 at least one day prior to arrival. Paratransit riders will be subject to the same security screening as others.
How to use the Umo App:
As you’re boarding an MCTS bus, you can scan your QR code in your app wallet on the WisGo validator on your left as you enter the bus. You’ll hear a chime and see a green light if your app is accepted, and a buzz and red light if the app isn’t accepting the payment.
Remember that MCTS is now charging for riders to board the CONNECT 1 BRT line. Unlike for the other routes, riders must prepay and validate their fare at the bus shelters before boarding the bus.
Download the app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account on the Umo app to register your phone.
After you scan, you can board any MCTS bus with a free transfer for up to 90 minutes. If you board again after 90 minutes, you’ll be charged again for a second fare. Fares are capped at $4 per day, $19.50 per week and $72 per month.
For more information:
MCTS riders can stay up to date on detours and changes by checking the Umo App and on RideMCTS.com/Alerts. You can also follow MCTS social media accounts at @RideMCTS.
You can visit of call MCTS offices during normal business hours during the RNC:
- MCTS Administrative Office: 1942 N. 17th Street in Milwaukee; 414-937-3218
- Customer Service Call Center: 414-937-3218
- Kinnickinnic Station: 1710 S. Kinnickinnic Ave #1716 in Milwaukee
- Fond du Lac Station: 3343 W. Fond du Lac Ave #3201 in Milwaukee
JS reporters Tristan Hernandez and Alison Dirr contributed to this report.
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