Wisconsin's first bus rapid transit line that makes use of dedicated bus lanes and real-time signage at stops will debut this summer in Milwaukee.

New electric buses will power the line, called CONNECT 1, to bring riders between downtown and western suburbs via Wisconsin Avenue and Bluemound Road. Amid the new line's introduction, a few existing bus lines will change. The Gold Line will be eliminated entirely, with many of its riders expected to transition to Route 30 or be served by the new BRT line, according to a news release from Milwaukee County Transit System.

The changes take effect on June 4 alongside the introduction of a summer schedule meant to improve service reliability and expand job access, MCTS said. Ahead of the launch, transit officials invited the public to a virtual information session on May 22.

The new BRT line is meant to provide faster and more frequent bus service along Wisconsin Avenue and Bluemound Road between the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center and downtown. The new line features 33 stations with daytime buses arriving every 10 minutes on weekdays and 15 minutes on weekends. In evenings, the buses operate every 20-30 minutes. The line runs between 4:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., MCTS said.

Meanwhile, Waukesha Metro Route 1 is being extended from Brookfield Square to the regional medical center. Riders will be able to transfer between MCTS and Waukesha transit without needing to pay again.

https://patch.com/wisconsin/milwaukee/milwaukee-bus-rapid-transit-debuts-june-other-routes-changing