MILWAUKEE — About 16,800 rides were delivered on Wisconsin’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in Milwaukee during the first week of service, according to data released by Milwaukee County Transit System.
Per weekday, that’s an average of 2,800 rides on the CONNECT 1 route.
“We are thrilled with the early results on CONNECT and appreciate all of the positive comments we’ve received about our new BRT line,” said MCTS President and Managing Director Denise Wandke in a statement. “Thanks go out to all our supporters who have championed this project: elected officials, business leaders, transit advocates, and our dedicated riders.”
The top destinations along the new nine-mile route include downtown Milwaukee, Marquette University and Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. The most popular station was at Water Street, with 300 rides a day.
CONNECT 1 has also increased ridership on Waukesha’s Metro Route 1, jumping from 300 to 700 rides per day. The new line connects to the existing Route 1 to give people access to jobs and services in Waukesha.
“With sustainable funding, the County could continue to see the positive economic impact transit has on the businesses and destinations that transit brings people to,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in a press release.
Prior to launching on June 4, officials said the new transit route would keep bus schedules fast and reliable. The line includes an even split of dedicated bus lanes and mixed traffic. MCTS likened it to a “train or light rail service.”
The fleet of buses on the BRT line consists of seven battery electric buses and five clean diesel buses.
Services on the new line are free through Sept. 30, 2023.