MILWAUKEE, Wisc., (SPECTRUM NEWS)- In conjunction with Governor Tony Evers’ mask mandate, effective August 1, Milwaukee County residents must wear a mask when riding on Milwaukee County Transit System buses.

“We’re grateful that a lot of people have been appreciating that we never shut down and we’ve stayed up and running to get essential workers to their jobs and there have been a lot of changes in terms of policies and procedures related to COVID,” says MCTS spokesperson Matt Sliker. “A passenger limit, recommendations about masks, now a requirement about masks.”

That passenger limit is 10 people per bus. MCTS buses will have masks and hand sanitizer on board for those who don’t have them.  

This same mask mandate is in effect for Metro Transit in Madison, Green Bay Metro and Valley Transit in Appleton among others. Officials admit enforcing it is difficult.

“It’s hard,” says Metro Transit spokesperson Mick Rusch. “You have to take everything on a case by case basis and we’re just asking our drivers to do their best to keep everyone healthy and safe.”

Metro Transit will install plexiglass shields in front of bus drivers in the coming weeks. Once those are in place, the bus service will begin collecting fairs and allowing riders to enter on and off the front of the bus instead of the back.

Sliker agrees that enforcement will be tough for Milwaukee as well.

“In the event that someone refuses to wear a mask, we’ll have to address that on a case by case basis,” he says. “As with any rule on a bus or at a county location, you have to decide, 'Is it worthy of calling for transit security of law enforcement?'”

Buses for all companies mentioned are cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day, officials say. Metro Transit is still enacting limited service, meaning it is asking customers to utilize service only if it is essential. This includes work and trips to the grocery store.

Green Bay Metro’s Transit director, Patricia Kiewiz, sent Spectrum News the following statement:

“Since May, Green Bay Metro has required riders to wear a face covering while on the bus. Capacity is currently limited to 15 riders per bus. Riders have been very compliant and appreciative of the measure that have been put in place for the safety of the public and Metro employees.”