MILWAUKEE (September 1, 2022) – How do you overhaul a transmission on a 40-ft bus? Does a battery electric bus have an engine even if it doesn’t use fuel? And which weighs more, a clean diesel bus or a battery electric one? Get answers to these questions and more at MCTS’s open house during Doors Open Milwaukee. Riders, families, and transit buffs will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at MCTS’s Fleet Maintenance Facility on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MCTS invites the public to see what it takes to rebuild, repair, and overhaul the 11-ton vehicles that serve 40,000+ residents a day. The complex, located at 1525 W. Vine Street, handles major mechanical repairs, brake and body work for more than 334 buses — all to keep Milwaukee County residents moving forward.
“MCTS has deep roots in Milwaukee, originally serving riders with trolley cars, followed by street cars, today’s clean diesel buses and coming soon, sleek, modern, battery electric buses,” said Ron McCorkel, director of maintenance at MCTS. “We’re so proud Doors Open Milwaukee has returned and we can’t wait to show you how the crew solves some of our toughest fixes.”
MCTS staff will lead you on a 30-minute tour of the building’s mechanical repair shop, body shop, paint hangar, and more. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, historical pictures, and prizes.
No reservations needed. Free tours begin every half hour, starting at 10:00 a.m. through the last tour at 3:00 p.m. Riding the bus to get here? Route 57 and the BlueLine both have stops within walking distance of MCTS’s Fleet Maintenance Facility.
Doors Open Milwaukee is a public celebration of Milwaukee’s art, architecture, culture and history. The event offers behind-the-scenes tours of more than 100 buildings throughout Milwaukee.
Many of the participating buildings are located along MCTS bus routes! Download the Umo mobile app to plan your trip and purchase a day pass for $5. Fares purchased via the app activate immediately so wait to buy your pass until you are ready to board the bus.
