Introducing the MCTS M•CARD! - Milwaukee County Transit System

Vol. 35 Issue 5
October 2013
PASSENGER NEWSLETTER
MILWAUKEE COUNTY
TRANSIT SYSTEM
Introducing the
MCTS M•CARD!
Rider Tip
Please offer your seat to
someone in need. The seats in
front of the bus designated
with a wheelchair symbol are
priority seating. Passengers
must yield front seats to
people with disabilities and
seniors. It is not only
courteous; it is required by the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
(Remember, not all disabilities
are noticeable.)
Transit Talk
Run (noun): a work
assignment for an operator.
Most often, run refers to a
whole day’s work assignment.
MCTS M•CARDs will be coming soon
to make your ride on buses even
easier! The MCTS M•CARD is the
name of the smart card (plastic
card) that will be used with the
new electronic fareboxes. It
is not available yet, but the card
will replace paper tickets/passes once
the project is fully underway. Cash will always be
accepted. More information about the MCTS M•CARD is
available on the next page and will appear in future newsletters as
the project progresses.
You asked for it.
We’re making it happen.
New technology is just around the corner! Improvements are coming that will make your
bus ride even more convenient. Real-Time bus information, an electronic fare system and
automated bus stop announcement system are all in progress.
Turn the page for more information.
More inside...
New Technology | Tap the Potential | Save with CVP | Stuff the Bus
REAL. SMART. EASY.
New technology is almost ready that will make
your ride on MCTS even more convenient.
Real Time Information
Individuals will be able to know exactly where their bus is—at all times.
Passengers can track a bus and know when it is predicted to arrive at a bus stop.
MCTS has just selected Clever Devices to translate the raw data into a clean,
usable feed that will power Real-Time tracking features through several mediums
including website (RideMCTS.com), smartphones and phone system.
Completion date expected in early 2014.
Electronic Fare System & Smart Cards (MCTS M•CARD)
Smart Cards (MCTS M•Card) are electronic plastic cards which will replace
passes/tickets and can be used over and over again. You will be able to load it
with a 7 or 31 day pass, or a specific dollar value for one or multiple rides.
And, if you need to take another bus, no problem, the electronic card will
automatically load a transfer.
Discounted Fares
Discounted fares will still be available with the Smart Card (MCTS M•CARd)
but paper passes/tickets will be phased out.
Availability
You will be able to purchase and re-load smart cards at a sales outlet or
at RideMCTS.com.
It is estimated fareboxes will be installed by the end of this year and
the smart card system in place by spring 2014. (Scheidt & Bachmann are
building the new system. )
Automated Bus Stop Annunciator
Those riding the bus will see an improvement by the end of 2013 with a stop
announcement system on every MCTS bus. It will consist of an electronic sign
and audio; both will provide clear, easy information about upcoming stops
to assist all passengers riding the bus. (Clever Devices installing.)
Get going at RideMCTS.com
Bus Pass Celebrates Tap the
Potential
In October, a MCTS weekly pass celebrates the 10th anniversary of Tap
the Potential during Disability Awareness Month. The pass was created
by Cheryl Malkowski in the MCTS Print Shop, with artwork entitled
“Life in the Fast Lane,” by local artist Dan Spitz. Regarding the artwork,
Spitz said, “People with disabilities simply want to be treated like
anyone else. Yes, we may not be able to do some things with the
speed of able bodied individuals but in general, we can do an awful lot in spite of
our differences physically.” Look for Tap the Potential art, music and interactive events
around Milwaukee during October. For information and a calendar of events visit:
county.milwaukee.gov/FestivalEvents.
Employees Can Save Money with CVP
Ask your employer about the Commuter Value Pass (CVP). The program provides reliable,
convenient, safe and stress-free bus transportation at a low cost for employees. Just $67
a month for unlimited rides! If you are interested in adding the program at your work
location, ask your employer to contact MCTS Business Services at 414-343-1777.
Title VI
TITLE VI POLICY
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states:
“No person in the United Stated shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin,
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) respects civil rights and operates
its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin. MCTS is
committed to complying with Title VI requirements in all of its programs and services. For
more information on the Title VI transit obligations contact MCTS as listed below.
MAKING A TITLE VI COMPLAINT
Any person who believes he/she has been subjected to discrimination in the delivery of
or access to public transportation services on the basis of race, color or national origin
may file a complaint with Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). Such complaint
must be filed in writing with MCTS no later than ninety (90) days after the alleged
discrimination. For information on how to file a complaint, contact MCTS as listed below:
MCTS Human Resources Department
1942 North 17th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205
414-344-4550
Help Stuff the Bus on November 27, 2013
Elizabeth Kay and Kidd O’Shea from 99.1 WMYX
hosted their radio show all day at the Stuff the
Bus event in 2012. Five buses and 305,000 total
pounds of food were collected!
Bus Lines is published six times a year as a service to Milwaukee
County Transit System passengers.
Editors: Jennifer Bradley, Jacqueline Janz
MCTS Marketing Department
1942 North 17th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205
For 24-hour automated bus information,
call 414-344-6711 or visit RideMCTS.com
@RideMCTS
facebook.com/RideMCTS