Milwaukee County supervisor proposes end to bus service on Christmas Day to cut costs
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman has proposed a resolution that would stop bus services within the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) on Christmas Day. However, some passengers, who consistently rely on the bus, even on the holiday, are not on board with the idea.
According to Wasserman, the resolution cites the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation’s June 2025 report projecting a $10.9 million shortfall in the MCTS departmental budget. Wasserman credits that to lower-than-expected passenger revenue and higher-than-budgeted wage and benefit costs.
The resolution also references 2024 ridership data showing 13,931 boardings on Christmas Day and 38,362 boardings the following day. Based on 2024 data, MCTS projects that discontinuing service on Christmas Day would save only $133,000.
“Aligning service levels with actual ridership is a responsible step toward long-term financial stability for MCTS. Christmas Day consistently has the lowest ridership of the year, with schools, government, and most businesses closed,” Wasserman said.
Wasserman suggests religious organizations in the area provide necessary rides for those who need it. Wasserman emphasized that employees within MCTS deserve the day off on the holiday.
“Our hard-working bus drivers deserve the chance to be home with their families. This is also a day when families, faith leaders, and neighbors should step up to help with transit needs. No one should be alone on Christmas—and that includes a transit operator alone on a bus.”
A spokesperson for MCTS shared the following statement with CBS 58:
"We’re reviewing the Supervisor’s proposal. While we appreciate creative solutions to MCTS’ fiscal challenges, we must ensure that riders who rely on the bus are not impacted on a day when residents and families use public transit to spend the holiday together."
Bruce Freeman, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998, told CBS 58 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, he believes the cuts on Christmas Day wouldn't make a difference in the current financial situation. He also said some MCTS employees choose to work on the holiday.
Those who consistently ride the bus are worried about what stopping services on Christmas could mean for essential workers who need to get around, even on Christmas Day.
“I take the bus every day,” said Jerry Jamerson, who consistently rides the bus from Milwaukee’s north side. “I think that’s a bad idea. There’s a lot of people, including myself, that needs transportation.”
Wasserman said the proposal would likely be addressed by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors during next year’s budget discussions.