Latest news with #MilwaukeeCountyTransitSystem
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Milwaukee's Festa Italiana returns this weekend. Here's everything you need to know
Milwaukee's summer of festivals is upon us. Festa Italiana, hosted by Milwaukee's Italian Community Center, is back from May 30 to June 1. From a bocce tournament to a competition to find the best sauce in Milwaukee, there's no shortage of activities for attendees to check out while they enjoy some classic Italian cuisine. Last year, former First Lady Jill Biden even made an appearance. Here's what to know: Where: Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive When: May 30 through June 1 Times: Vary by day There are several public transportation options to get to the festival, including: The Hop Route 15 and 18 Milwaukee County Transit System buses Connect 1 BRT line Rideshares will be located at the North Gate. Admission is $15, or $30 for a three-day pass. Children 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. You can buy tickets online. Festa Italiana staff check every bag at the gates. There are restrictions for bag sizes. Any bag that is larger than 9" by 10" by 12" is prohibited, including backpacks, purses, handbags, and totes. Umbrellas, strollers and disposable cameras are allowed. Outside food and drinks, alcohol, bicycles and lawn chairs are among prohibited items. You can find a full list on the ICC's website. More than a dozen vendors are slated to participate in this year's fest, including: Peter Sciortino Bakery Papa Luigi's Pietro's Pizza Pitch's Fonzarelli's Italian Deli Scrima's Pizza Nadi Plates Catalano's Sil's Mini Donuts More than a dozen acts are slated to perform at the festival grounds' U.S. Cellular Stage and Aurora Pavilion, including: The Florentine Opera The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra Tradizione Vivente Frank Lamphere & His Rat Pack Jazz Quintet Yes. The amateur singing competition will be held on May 31 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone aged 14 and up can participate, where a total of $1,000 in cash prizes will be given out. You can find out more information, including a full schedule of events, on the ICC's website. The Festa Fireworks will be on May 31 at 10:30 p.m. To find out more information, you can visit the ICC's website. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Festa Italiana Milwaukee 2025: Fireworks, tickets, bag policy, vendors
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Here's how to apply for Milwaukee County Transit System's first-ever apprenticeship programs
For the first time in its history, Milwaukee County Transit System is launching new apprenticeships this year and has already hired more than two dozen people for the program, the agency announced April 30. In honor of National Apprenticeship Day in Wisconsin, MCTS launched a new mechanics and operator apprenticeship program. The program launches as Wisconsin reports a record number of registered apprentices across the state with more than 17,000 participants in 2024, according to a news release. "As a leader in developing workforce development programs in the transit industry, our Union knows these programs are critical in preparing transit workers for the challenges on the job and helping them to advance careers,' said ATU International President John Costa in a statement. Here's what you need to know about the new apprenticeship programs. RELATED: Milwaukee County Transit System managing director steps down Apprentices can join a new 18-month registered program for mechanics, where after they can move into mechanic positions at MCTS, according to the release. Curriculum includes hands-on learning and mentorship at MCTS. The transit organization will also supply each mechanic apprentice with a set of tools valued at $4,000, which they will own after the completion of the program. Each mechanic apprentice will earn between $30 to $44 per hour, depending on their position. Trainers will also receive an additional $4 per hour on top of their current wage while teaching apprentices. Additionally, MCTS is also offering a 12-month registered apprenticeship program for new bus operators. Each operator apprentice will be assigned a mentor, who will be a current employee with at least three years experience. Each bus operator apprentice will earn $24.40 per hour, which is the same as a first-year bus operator. Both receive benefits, including a pension. This spring, MCTS hired two mechanic apprentices and 25 bus operator apprentices. You can find more information at To apply for the bus operator apprenticeship program visit MCTS starts screening in July and will start the bus operator program in the fall. The link will be posted later to the mechanic applications, confirmed spokesperson Anna Schryver. MCTS hopes to expand the mechanic apprenticeship program and will open applications in early 2026. RELATED: Ridership of Milwaukee's streetcar The Hop sees slight uptick in passengers compared to previous year: Inside the data This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MCTS launches first-ever mechanic, bus operator apprenticeships
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
MCTS launches bus mechanic, operator apprenticeship programs
The Brief MCTS launched apprenticeship programs for bus mechanics and operators. It's a first-of-its-kind workforce initiative in the state, according to MCTS. Further, MCTS said it offers a way to address transit employee shortages. MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County Transit System on Tuesday launched Wisconsin's first registered apprenticeship programs for bus mechanics and operators. The backstory In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, MCTS said it's a first-of-its-kind workforce initiative in the state. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android MCTS said the programs reinforce Milwaukee County's commitment to "workforce innovation, job training, and long-term career pathways." Further, MCTS said it offers a way to address transit employee shortages. "On the 50th anniversary of MCTS, we are proud to advance Milwaukee County's public transit system and to help ensure its success over the next 50 years," said Donna Brown Martin, Milwaukee County Department of Transportation director. The program will help address a statewide shortage of bus mechanics while improving retention of new bus operators, according to officials. Big picture view The apprenticeship announcement comes less than a week after MCTS announced it was opening applications for its Summer Transit Teen Advocate program. According to MCTS, the program will bring together approximately 20 teens to tour transit facilities, learn from industry professionals, attend local field trips, and collaborate on a group project that promotes public transit among their peers. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Teen advocates will receive: A $25 meeting stipend for participation A free WisGo card for unlimited rides throughout the summer Access to mentorship and networking opportunities Applications are open now through Friday, May 23. Interested teens can apply online. The Source Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County Transit System.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County Transit System; rider feedback collected for 2025
The Brief The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is collecting rider feedback. MCTS hopes to use that feedback to shape bus routes for the fall. You can submit feedback to MCTS through a website or by taking part in public meetings. MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced on Monday, March 24 it is collecting rider feedback to help shape bus routes that take effect this fall. It is part of an initiative called MOVE 2025. What we know A news release from MCTS says riders are encouraged to see specific route recommendations resulting from Phase I's feedback and weigh in on four new route options that will be presented. After this phase of feedback is reviewed, MCTS will submit a recommended MOVE 2025 plan to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android During the first phase of MOVE 2025, riders and bus operators gave feedback at five public meetings, 15 stakeholder meetings, and completed 1,254 surveys online. Their feedback played a key role in shaping Phase II, which will provide several improvements. This includes new connections that aren't available today. For example, some recommendations include extending Route 14 to 17th Street and Route 59 on Drexel Avenue. In addition, some routes will have more frequent bus service, such as Route 57. Some branched routes will become more direct, including the BlueLine. To make these changes while remaining within its budget, MCTS will adjust service on other routes where there's less demand. What you can do MCTS wants to hear from riders directly. Feedback can be submitted through an online survey, by visiting to comment on interactive maps, or by attending one of three public meetings across the county. Riders have until April 11, 2025, to weigh in. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 NewsDates, locations for public meetings April 4 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MCTS Administration Building (1942 N. 17th St., Milwaukee) April 8 — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Atkinson Public Library (1960 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee) April 10 — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at South Milwaukee Public Library (1907 10th Ave., South Milwaukee) Phase I: December 9, 2024 - February 10, 2025: Public input phase through surveys, online comments, interactive maps, and public meetings. Phase II: March - May 2025: MCTS transit planners review feedback and develop a draft plan for additional comment from riders, bus drivers and the general public. Planners prepare a final recommended plan that will be presented to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for review and approval. June - August 2025: If the recommended plan is approved, MCTS will begin an education campaign to aid public awareness of the fall service changes. Late August 2025: The changes go live. The Source The information in this post was provided by Milwaukee County Transit System.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
MCTS fatal bus crash, driver pleads not guilty, MPD officer testifies
The Brief The MCTS driver charged in a fatal crash on Christmas night pleads not guilty in court. Montrell Pharm is charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving. He's accused of falling asleep at the wheel, crashing into two parked cars and killing a 79-year-old man. MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus driver charged in a fatal crash on Christmas night pleaded not guilty in court on Monday, March 3. Montrell Pharm is charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving charges from that crash. Surveillance video shows the moment the bus crashes into two parked cars, killing 79-year-old Robert Clemons. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android In court, a Milwaukee police officer took the stand and talked about what he saw on the video. "The bus operator was, had his eyes closed sleeping the bus veers to the right through the parking lane and collides with a PT Cruiser and strikes the two pedestrians that were on the side of the two vehicles," said Officer Brian Lewandowski. What's next Pharm is now scheduled to go to trial. He will be back in court on April 9th for a scheduling conference. The Source FOX6 had originally reported on the incident and obtained video. Court information is publicly available on the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website.
