Milwaukee County is currently negotiating with MV Transportation, Inc., to finalize details of the latter's takeover of the management of the Milwaukee County Transit System.

Private company MTS has managed the transit system since 1975.

County Executive Chris Abele claims that rates will not increase and routes will not be cut due to the change in management.

"Putting this contract out to bid allows us to respond to these concerns by ensuring we are working with a partner that shares our dedication to the Milwaukee transit system," said Abele's office in a press release today, adding that "national firms may be able to provide greater efficiencies by learning from their experience and refining business practices and lessons learned from other systems."

MV Transportation, Inc. says that hiring preference will be given to current employees and that they plan to honor all existing union contracts. The County hopes the deal will be reviewed and approved by the County Board in September.