Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) officials said the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has earmarked a $40.9 million grant for Milwaukee’s East West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Program.
“The announcement of a $40.9 million grant to Milwaukee County for its Bus Rapid Transit Program is tremendous news for the entire state of Wisconsin,” Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said via a department statement. “This critical nine-mile corridor serves the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center and connects downtown Milwaukee with Wauwatosa and Marquette University. The service is estimated to have more than 9,500 daily users by 2035 and increase overall transit ridership by 17 percent.”
Thompson said Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) delivers a higher level of service than traditional bus service, featuring real-time arrival signs and dedicated lanes offering a train on wheels feel while providing mobility options and reducing congestion.
“Former County Executive Abele was a strong force behind getting this project moving,” Thompson concluded. “County Executive (David) Crowley has picked up the torch and is carrying it forward. It is because of their efforts that this has occurred. We couldn’t be more pleased with the federal government recognizing how important reliable, modern transit is to the economy and quality of life for everyone.”