MCTS, Molson Coors partner to offer free rides on NYE for 37th year

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Molson Coors will once again partner with the Milwaukee County Transit System to offer safe and free rides to those celebrating on New Year's Eve. 

From 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, to the end of regular service, MCTS will offer complimentary rides to residents on all routes.

Extended service will be available on the following major routes until 4 a.m. New Year's Day:

• CONNECT 1 BRT - Entire route (Watertown Plank Park & Ride to Couture)
• 14 - Entire route (Bayshore to 17th and Wisconsin Avenue)
• 18 - Broadway and Knapp to 121st and Greenfield
• 21 - Mayfair Mall to North Avenue and Water Tower
• 24 - Entire route (MCTS Admin Building to Southridge)
• 30 - Entire route (Teutonia and Florist to UWM via both branches, Maryland and Downer)
• PURPLELINE - Entire route (Bayshore to Franklin Walmart)
• BLUELINE - Entire route (76th and Mill to 5th and Clybourn)
• GREENLINE - Entire route (Bayshore to Airport

This marks the 37th year of the Free Rides program presented by Miller Lite. The company says 2024 had the program's highest ridership yet, and total ridership has increased 24% since 2023.

This year, the rides also line up with the 50th birthday of Milwaukee's very own Miller Lite. County Executive David Crowley thinks the free buses encourage residents to party responsibly.

"If you are going out this New Year's Eve, I ask you please, plan ahead," Crowley said. "We want you to know your routes, we want you to share it with family and friends, we want you to make the important choice of celebrating responsibly."

Molson Coors also offers free rides on New Year's Eve to people in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. 

To view routes and plan ahead, click here.