MCTS to retire M-Cards in October; riders need to switch to WisGo system
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- There's a new way to ride Milwaukee County Transit System buses, and starting this fall, it will be the only way to board without cash.
Starting Oct. 1, you will need the Umo app or the WisGo card to board any MCTS bus. The M-Card will no longer be valid.
"The M-card has been around for about 10 years, and fare collection has changed dramatically since then," said Anna Schryver, communications director for MCTS.
The M-card, which has been in use since 2016, offered limited features.
With updated bus technology, the WisGo system allows riders to board quicker, and Umo app users can control everything on their phone.
"You can store value, you can send yourself reminders to add more stored value to your account, and you never have to mess with a pass," Schryver said.
The pay-as-you-go system uses fare caps for frequent riders.
"The more you ride the bus, the less you pay, because the system knows who you are, it'll cap you," Schryver explained. "You'll no longer have to get a daily, weekly, or monthly pass."
Cash will still be accepted on buses, but it won't include free transfers.
"With the Umo app or the WisGo card, you will get a 90-minute free transfer," Schryver said.
Every rider CBS 58 spoke to on Wednesday said they already use the WisGo card or app.
MCTS has seen more than 160,000 people switch over.
"It is better, because you can get on there and tap your card, and you can ride all day," said frequent rider, Alvin Eubanks.
"You can just use the QR code now and just scan it on the bus," said rider Zoey Wilson.
If you still have an M-Card with funds on it, you can transfer it over to WisGo through Sept. 30.
"If you've been waiting and holding off to see how it goes, don't wait. Now is the time," Schryver said.
Riders who prefer to use the physical WisGo card can pick it up at the Milwaukee County Transit building and several retail stores.
Click here for more information on the new WisGo system.