Steil Requests Federal Oversight of Milwaukee County Transit System Following Millions in Losses

Washington, DC (September 5) – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) wrote to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to strengthen oversight and accountability measures for local transit agencies following reports that Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) lost approximately $4 million in revenue in 2024 to bus evasion. Recent findings indicate MCTS riders skipped paying fares more than 8 million times in 2025, nearly one-third of all trips. MCTS received $57.24 million in federal transit funding in 2023.

“Federal funds are intended to strengthen and sustain public transportation, not to compensate for avoidable revenue shortfalls caused by lax fare enforcement,” said Steil. “Fare evasion not only pushes MCTS toward insolvency, but it is fundamentally unfair to the hardworking families who rely on public transportation, follow the rules, and pay their fares. I’m committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.”

Click HERE to read the full letter.