By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Mar 29, 2023 at 4:05 PM

Today, after more than a year of preparation, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, County Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones, MCTS Chief Financial Officer Tim Hosch and Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, welcomed public transit riders to WisGo, a new fare collection system starting April 1, 2023.

Riders will have through September 2023 to transition to WisGo.

Now, in addition to a new fare structure that’s easier and more modern, riders can enjoy a smoother transfer between counties with WisGo. Eventually, riders can use the same WisGo payment method to continue on their journey using Waukesha Metro. More regional transit connections are on the way.

“I applaud Waukesha Metro’s decision to be the first to make transit in the region easier through one, simplified payment system consistent with Milwaukee County’s transit system," says Crowley. "The decision reinforces that public transit is essential to linking the economy not just to one metro area, but across the whole state. Our two communities share a deep commitment to supporting transit as a key component to a thriving workforce and a strong economy.”

The first step to activate WisGo is for people to download the app.

“Using an app is how many people do their everyday tasks such as pay for local parking or buy movie tickets, and now, buy bus fare. Cash is always an option, but the Umo app has many more perks, like detour alerts sent directly to your phone, real-time bus tracking and auto reload in the online wallet so you don’t have to worry about your balance," says Milwaukee County Transit System Chief Financial Officer Tim Hosch.

To read more about WisGo, visit these links:

WisGo validators are live on all buses now. Waukesha Metro validators will accept WisGo transfers only. Throughout the transition period, riders can still use their M-Cards on existing fare boxes but are strongly encouraged to use up their M-Card balances as soon as possible because the new BRT line, MCTS CONNECT, will not accept M-Cards.

Visit RideMCTS.com for more information.

Molly Snyder Senior Writer


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.