Transit Plus by Transdev | Milwaukee County Paratransit Services

- 1942 N 17th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205

Introduction / Overview: Your Essential Guide to Transit Plus in Milwaukee County

For many residents of Southeastern Wisconsin, maintaining independence and access to essential community resources hinges on reliable transportation. In Milwaukee County, the key solution for eligible citizens with disabilities is the Transit Plus program, administered by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) and operated in partnership with providers like Transdev. While the service name on-site is "Transit Plus by Transdev | Milwaukee County Paratransit Services," it is important to understand that this is the official Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service for the county. It is not a typical “car rental” in the conventional sense, but rather a vital, specialized transportation service designed for individuals whose disabling illness or condition prevents them from utilizing the standard fixed-route bus system.

Transit Plus by Transdev provides accessible van service to thousands of Milwaukee County residents each year, enabling critical trips for work, medical appointments, shopping, and more, all of which contribute significantly to community engagement and quality of life. This service is a testament to the county's commitment to ensuring equitable mobility for all its citizens, acting as a crucial bridge for those who face mobility challenges in their daily travel.

The program is regulated by the ADA, meaning its focus and eligibility criteria are strictly defined to serve those who truly cannot navigate the standard public bus system. The dedicated team works tirelessly to schedule and deliver safe, reliable door-to-door transportation across the region, though like any large-scale transit operation, it sometimes faces challenges related to traffic and system demands, as noted in user feedback. The commitment, however, remains to enhance the mobility and independence of its eligible ridership throughout the greater Milwaukee area.

Location and Accessibility: A Hub for Milwaukee’s Transit Plus Operations

The administrative and operational heart for this critical service is conveniently located in the city of Milwaukee, providing a central point for coordination, management, and support services for riders and staff across the county. The physical location helps anchor the service firmly within the local community it serves.

The office and facility are designed with the user population in mind, ensuring a welcoming and practical environment for those who need to interact in person, such as for purchasing tickets or application assistance.

Accessibility is a core feature of the facility itself:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Amenities: Restroom

This focus on on-site accessibility reflects the mission of the broader transportation service: to remove barriers to mobility for individuals with disabilities.

Services Offered: Enabling Essential Mobility Across the Region

Transit Plus by Transdev, as part of the MCTS Paratransit Services, offers a comprehensive suite of transportation-related assistance, specifically tailored to the needs of its ADA-eligible ridership. These services are crucial for daily living, social engagement, and maintaining health.

• Paratransit Services (Primary Service): Provides door-to-door, demand-responsive transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route bus services. This is the core offering under the ADA mandate.
• Handicapped Transportation Service: Specialized vehicle services utilizing ADA-accessible vans equipped with lifts/ramps to accommodate all passengers, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• Medical Appointments Transportation: Facilitating essential access to medical care, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices, which is a major use of the service.
• Assistance Transit: Drivers provide escorted service from the first exterior door of the pickup location to the first exterior door of the destination, including assistance with up to one step for wheelchair users, per service guidelines.
• Trip Scheduling and Management: Van reservations can be made up to seven days in advance, requiring scheduling by 4:30 p.m. the day before the desired trip. A same-day pilot program for necessary, last-minute trips (like unscheduled health or essential personal events) is also available, although terms and availability may vary.
• Service Dog Accommodations: Service animals are permitted on the vans, provided they are specifically trained to perform a task and are kept under control.
• Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Transportation: An eligible rider may bring a certified PCA along at no additional charge. Companions may also ride for the same fare as the rider, provided a seat is reserved for them.
• Public Transportation Services: As a component of the MCTS, it is fundamentally linked to and complements the county’s broader public transit network.
• Mobility Management: Coordinating and managing complex mobility needs for a large, diverse client base across a wide service area.
• Travel Training: Programs designed to help eligible individuals learn how to use the fixed-route bus system, promoting greater independence where possible.

Features / Highlights: Why Transit Plus Stands Out in Milwaukee

The strength of Transit Plus lies not just in its availability, but in the features that make it a reliable and legally mandated service for the Milwaukee community.

• ADA Compliance: The service strictly adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, guaranteeing a comparable level of service to the fixed-route bus system for those who qualify.
• Extensive Service Area: Transportation is provided throughout all of Milwaukee County, 365 days a year, for any trip purpose, with limited travel possible to certain areas outside the county line in places like Waukesha and Ozaukee.
• Accessible Fleet: The service operates a fleet of ADA-accessible vans, all equipped to safely transport passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
• Real-Time Tracking App: Riders can utilize the "My Transit Manager" mobile app (developed by Transdev) to receive notifications, track their van's location in real-time on a map, and monitor scheduled trips, significantly improving the rider experience.
• Professional Driver Assistance: Drivers are trained to provide escorted, door-to-door service (first exterior door to first exterior door), assisting riders who require extra support.
• System Reliability (Acknowledged Challenges): While customer reviews sometimes point to system delays and the need for better backup plans during outages, the service is generally cited as being "very reliable for weekly pickups" with proactive confirmation calls the night before and on the day of service. Continuous efforts are made to improve system consistency and communication.
• Flexible Fare Payment: Rides can be paid for with Transit Plus tickets (purchased online, by mail, or in person) or exact cash fare.

Contact Information: Connect with Transit Plus by Transdev

For general inquiries, applications, and support related to the Transit Plus service:
Address: 1942 N 17th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205, USA
Phone: (414) 343-1700
Mobile Phone: +1 414-343-1700

Note: For *scheduling, cancelling, or checking the status of a ride*, riders should typically call the assigned van provider directly, or the scheduling line provided during the application process (often a separate number like 414-817-9860). Always refer to your official Transit Plus documentation for the most accurate scheduling contact number. The main office contact (414) 343-1700 is typically for general information, eligibility questions, and ticket purchases.

What is Worth Choosing: The Value of Local Paratransit Excellence

Choosing Transit Plus by Transdev means selecting Milwaukee County's officially designated, ADA-compliant paratransit service—a necessary and crucial form of transportation for those who are eligible. It is worth choosing for several key reasons that differentiate it from private car services or alternative transportation.

Firstly, it is a **guaranteed right under federal law** for those who qualify, ensuring that individuals with qualifying disabilities have access to a transportation system that mirrors the geographic area and hours of the fixed-route bus system. This is not a luxury service but a fundamental pillar of accessible community infrastructure. The $4.00 fare for a one-way van trip is significantly subsidized by the community, making it an incredibly **cost-effective** transportation solution compared to private taxi or rideshare services that are often not accessible.

Secondly, the service offers a level of **specialized care and accessibility** that is often unmatched. The accessible van fleet and the required door-to-door driver assistance ensure safe and dignified travel for mobility-device users and those with significant physical limitations. The addition of the "My Transit Manager" app for real-time tracking demonstrates a commitment to **modernizing and improving the rider experience**, providing passengers with greater control and visibility over their travel schedule, mitigating the anxiety associated with wait times and delays.

Finally, despite periodic operational issues common to complex transit networks—such as the occasional delay due to system outages or traffic—the consensus is that for regular, planned trips, the system is **consistently reliable** with proactive communication. The dedication of the MCTS and Transdev teams to providing this life-enabling service makes Transit Plus a vital and invaluable choice for thousands of people in the Milwaukee County community who rely on it for their independence and connectivity.

Transit Plus by Transdev | Milwaukee County Paratransit Services

1942 N 17th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205, USA