Milwaukee County Transit System

The meeting included the presentation of employee recognition awards for Transdev staff and the election of the Council Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2026. Updates were provided on driver hiring, the new software vendor selection, ridership statistics for the Same Day Ride Pilot, and performance metrics for paratransit services. The Council discussed the transition to an account-based fare system, upcoming public listening sessions regarding budget amendments, and ADA training initiatives for operators. Additionally, committee reports were reviewed, and members held an open discussion regarding Robert's Rules of Order, afternoon pickup delays at IBVI, and concerns about long ride durations.

The meeting addressed several operational and administrative topics, including updates on fixed route service changes for the upcoming month and the status of account-based fare collection system transitions. The council discussed the nomination committee's election process, which will be repeated due to a tie. Significant attention was given to the Transdev update regarding driver hiring and scheduling software, as well as ridership statistics and service hour reductions for the Same Day Ride Pilot. Additionally, the council reviewed the Transit Plus report on performance metrics and feedback, approved employee recognition nominees, and held an open discussion regarding ride cancellation procedures, driver identification, and passenger bag limit policies.

The meeting addressed several key items under Unfinished Business, including the resignation of a member from TPAC, necessitating Terry Hogans to act as Chair until new officers are elected; the election process for 2026 officers, with Terry Hogans running unopposed for Chairperson and two members running for Vice Chair. Discussions also covered the status of the Account Based Fare Collection system, where Transdev drivers have been utilizing handheld devices for WisGo card fares since mid-December without major issues. A budget update noted bus route changes effective January 11th, with another round scheduled for March 8th, and a projected 2027 budget gap of $18-20 million, requiring future recommendations. Transdev provided an update on continued hiring efforts to mitigate staffing shortfalls due to attendance issues, and ongoing collaboration with legal counsel regarding service issues. The Same Day Pilot showed record ridership for December trips. New Business featured an analysis of the ABBG Customer Satisfaction Survey, indicating an overall satisfaction score of 3.93/5.0, but a decline in net promoter score to 40% due to dissatisfaction with on-time performance and scheduling. Following this, TPAC unanimously agreed on a proposal to trim service hours on the Same Day Ride Pilot by eliminating the first operating hour (7:00-8:00 AM) to align with the budget. Committee updates included the Provider Employee Recognition Committee planning to review commendations from October through December 2025 for future recognition.

Key discussions during the meeting included an announcement regarding the passing of TPAC member Reverend William Jackson. Unfinished business covered the Account-based Fare Update, noting the distribution of WisGo cards and continued use of tickets/cash for certain services. The MCTS Budget Update revealed a projected $14 Million deficit for 2026, leading to service adjustments, and an evaluation requirement for paratransit van service reliability. Transdev provided an update on ongoing driver hiring efforts. New Business included an update from MCDOT on the hiring of a new director and potential restructuring of TPAC. There was also a discussion to re-evaluate the Same Day Pilot service due to a budget reduction to $750,000. The Transit Plus report detailed October 2025 ridership figures and on-time performance, noting a productivity rate below the contractual target. Committees provided brief updates, and the Mobility Management team is preparing for the WisGo rollout. The Carrier Report from Transdev highlighted driver call-off rates exceeding typical winter projections and requested clients ensure clear access routes due to snow and ice.

The meeting included updates on the account-based fare system, MCTS budget, nominations committee, Transdev, and the Same Day Pilot program. The council discussed the rollout of WisGo cards, the budget shortfall faced by MCTS, and the importance of both fixed route service and the same day ride pilot. Transdev is actively recruiting drivers to meet demand, particularly during peak hours. VIA is preparing a cost analysis for the same day ride service. There were discussions on ridership, on-time performance, and productivity, as well as complaints filed in September. Mobility management team provided individual and group training, including ADA training for new bus drivers.