MILWAUKEE — President Donald Trump has committed $40.9 million in U.S. Department of Transportation funds to Milwaukee's East West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Program.
The president tweeted about the pledge on Thursday saying, "Bringing modern transit to the region’s most critical corridor and spur millions in economic development. Love Wisconsin!"
I’m proud to commit $40.9M in @USDOT funding to Milwaukee’s East-West Bus Rapid Transit project. Bringing modern transit to the region’s most critical corridor and spur millions in economic development. Love Wisconsin! @RideMCTS
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2020
BRT is a program that helps bring enhanced public transportation services to cities that need it. Such services can include real-time arrival signs at stations, exclusive transit lanes, and services that reduce traffic congestion.
The East West BRT program is a 9-mile transit service connecting employment, education and recreation destinations through downtown Milwaukee, Milwaukee’s Near West Side, Marquette University, Wauwatosa, and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
The construction of this new service is scheduled to begin this year, with service hopefully beginning in 2021. Milwaukee County estimates this project will cost around $54 million so getting $40.9 million from USDOT will take a huge chunk out of the price tag.
The new program will be fully integrated into Milwaukee County Transit System and will cost the same as any MCTS fare.
For more information on the new program, click here.
