Groundbreaking Transit System in Milwaukee County
Written by: Michael Schneider, PE, AECOM
The CONNECT 1 project is Wisconsin’s first ever bus rapid transit (BRT) route. Developed by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), this 9-mile route covers the region’s most congested corridor and provides a reliable and efficient way to take public transportation to major employment, education and recreation destinations.
The project showcases the effectiveness of high-capacity transit’s ability to connect people to their destinations while easing energy consumption and air pollution and encouraging development in Milwaukee County.
AECOM served as the prime planning and engineering consultant, beginning with the feasibility study phase to determine which solution met the goals of the project, and through final design to incorporate the many elements unique to a BRT project.
Hundreds of Professionals Work Collaboratively to Deliver Aspects Unique to BRT
The project required expertise from more technical disciplines than typical transportation projects, all with specific and oftentimes intersecting project goals. Represented on the team are public entities from local, state and federal agencies, private entities along the corridor, public stakeholders, consultants, manufacturers and contractors. Significant collaboration occurred with WisDOT, the City of Milwaukee, and the City of Wauwatosa who are the owners of the facilities where the buses operate. This collaboration tackled big picture items such as corridor routing down to location specific details including providing engineering design solutions for individual stations.
Each intersection station pair was thoroughly vetted for top priority requirements based on land use data and stop spacing, then refined through public input and specific needs of each location. Consistency was achieved through elevated platforms allowing easier and more efficient boarding, unique branding elements like the transit beacon clearly marking it as part of the BRT route, and real-time information signs providing notice of when the next bus will arrive. Bus stations were designed to minimize operation and maintenance costs, and their transparent walls help them to blend in with the surrounding landscape, all while matching the unique feel of Wisconsin Avenue.
A Step Forward for Wisconsin Transportation
The CONNECT 1 project brings high-frequency, reliable transportation service to Wisconsin. The new fleet of 11 battery electric buses are working to improve connectivity, provide better access to transportation, and stimulate the economy, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to tens of thousands of gallons of diesel annually.
The project exemplifies innovative transit solutions, sustainability and effective collaboration. This move towards sustainable transportation aligns with broader environmental goals and sets an example for what can be accomplished with alternative energy fleets.
Meeting Community Needs and Proving a Desire for Transit in Wisconsin
The CONNECT 1 East-West BRT project is important because it addresses a critical transportation need in the region, providing access to vital locations such as jobs, education and health care, setting a new standard for public transportation in Wisconsin. Ridership has been increasing on the corridor, nearly doubling the ridership in its first year, in part due to the 8-minute faster service compared to traditional bus service and the reliability that bus-only lanes combined with transit signal improvements provide. CONNECT 1 carried more than 1 million passengers during the first year of service, showcasing what investments in high-quality transit can achieve.
About the Guest Blogger
Michael Schneider, PE, is a Project Manager at AECOM’s Middleton office where he is a part of AECOM’s Bus Rapid Transit Design group. AECOM, an active ACEC Wisconsin Member, is a premier, fully integrated professional and technical services firm positioned to design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets around the world for public and private-sector clients.