CONNECT 1: Battery-powered buses launch in Milwaukee County amid concerns of transit budget crisis

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County's first-ever bus rapid transit line officially launched Sunday.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday morning with local and state leaders in attendance, promising a faster and greener transportation option: the CONNECT 1.

"Fast and reliable transportation, and that's what the CONNECT delivers," said MCTS President and Managing Director Denise Wandke.

The new battery-electric CONNECT bus line operates from west to east on a nine-mile stretch, running on a dedicated bus lane between the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center in Wauwatosa, and Van Buren and Wisconsin on the east end of downtown.

The CONNECT 1 is the first of its kind in the Milwaukee area.

"This project really hits to the core of Milwaukee County’s vision. It delivers on our promise and our commitment," stated David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive.

Each bus station has a ticket machine to avoid lines, and each seat has a USB charging outlet.

"It's affordable transportation, it's helping people maintain their health, this is giving people expanded economic and job opportunities and it is helping build a sustainable environment," said Democratic Rep. Gwen Moore.

Despite the excitement, however, leaders brushed over a big concern that looms ahead.

"MCTS still faces a fiscal budget crisis ahead, but let's celebrate today," said Wandke.

Milwaukee County’s bus system is facing major cuts -- a $26.5 million budget shortfall in 2025.

In a statement issued to CBS 58 News, MCTS said:

"We’re grateful for the capital improvement project funding that allowed us to modernize Milwaukee County Transit with a new BRT. Thanks to federal funding, bringing this new era of public transit to life has been cost-neutral. Once the service launches, there is an ongoing operational expense to all MCTS bus service and we do still face a fiscal budget crisis ahead. A looming $26.5 million cut would result in a 20% cut to bus service which could represent cuts in service to nearly one half of all routes spread across the county. We’re working with the County and the City as they partner with the Legislature to find a long-term solution."

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 998 President Donnell Shorter told CBS 58 that the budget allocated for transit has not changed in the last 10 years.

"It's been about $160 million allocated...but we know in the last 10 years the price of fuel has gone up, wages have gone up," said Shorter.

Nearly half of all routes would be affected. MCTS even started a campaign called #savethebus for the public to help before it's too late.

Karen Martinez has been a bus driver for 13 years and knows how vital it is for city leaders to keep it running.

"I see people who, they have no other way to get, you know, to work, to school, even to the doctor or the hospital," she said.

In the meantime, the CONNECT 1 bus is free until Sept. 30, thanks to a sponsorship deal with Umo Mobility. After that, the fare will be $1.25 or $40 for a 30-day pass.