Link: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/12/12/fta-tells-milwaukee-to-crack-down-on-fare-evasion-even-where-fares-dont-exist/

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is demanding reports from Milwaukee’s two public transit systems about their plans and funding for addressing fare evasion.

In letters sent Friday afternoon, FTA Administrator Marcus Molinaro demanded the heads of the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) and, curiously, The Hop provide the information by Dec. 22. If the entities don’t respond, the letters say funding could be withheld.

In a letter to Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Interim Director John Rodgers, the FTA is asking for MCTS “actions and plans” reducing crime and fare evasion, and a breakdown of all funding being used to improve transit security and reduce crime and fare evasion. The agency also told MCTS it should “expeditiously and appropriately” begin targeting FTA grants for projects addressing crime and fare evasion.