MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Transit System announced Tuesday that it will resume fare collection and front door boarding on all buses and on paratransit vehicles providing Transit Plus rides starting at 4 a.m. June 1.

In a press release, MCTS says fares are needed given the rising costs and lost revenue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help maintain social distancing, MCTS will continue to limit riders to 10 per bus, according to the release.

MCTS recommends that riders who are medically able wear a face mask or covering while on board.

The release also asks riders to be respectful or drivers and other passengers by remember the following:

• Riders should enter through the front door, pay and then move away from the driver. Use of contactless fare forms like the M-CARD and Ride MCTS app is strongly encouraged. Please limit conversation and interaction with the driver.
• Follow CDC guidelines for social distancing, washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding public transportation when sick.
• Allow for extra time. If a bus has ten people on board, the driver will not pick up additional riders. To reduce wait times, MCTS will add extra buses when possible.

MCTS says all buses undergo a daily disinfection process in addition to standard cleaning received on a regular basis.

Buses that operate Monday-Friday are running on a weekday schedule with the exception of Freeway Flyers, which are still suspended.

Saturday and Sunday schedules remain unchanged.

Anyone with questions can contact MCTS Customer Service Center at 414-937-3218 or email [email protected].

More information about MCTS and COVID-19 can be found at RideMCTS.com/Coronavirus.