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MCTS M•CARD

The MCTS M•CARD is an easy, affordable and efficient way to pay for bus service - plus you save money every time you ride!

Buy your card and load it online or at more than 90 locations with Stored Cash Value or a 1-,7-, or 31-Day Pass.

With the M•CARD you’ll never need to worry about carrying cash or having the exact change. Everything you need is on one powerful card! 

Using an M•CARD

Simply touch your M•CARD to the orange target on the farebox.

  • The display will show information about the transaction.

  • The farebox will beep once for full fare or twice for reduced fare cards. 

M•CARD Terminology

Pass

  • The 1, 7 & 31-Day Passes are good for unlimited rides from first boarding until the end of MCTS service (4:59 am) the following day, on the 7th day & 31st day, consecutively. When you put a pass on your M•CARD, you can ride as much as you want during the time you bought the pass.

Stored Cash Value

  • Stored Cash Value is cash value that you load onto your M•CARD. Load any amount between $2 and $100 and the cash value is stored on your M•CARD. The fare is deducted when you tap your card at a farebox. 

Transfer

  • A 90-minute transfer is automatically added to your card after you pay your fare. You can use that transfer to board other buses during the 90 minutes. 
M•CARD Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to buy an MCTS M•CARD?

  • Yes, there is a one time $2 cost of the card. The card can be re-loaded and used for years. 

How can I check my M•CARD balance?

  • Call our automated line 24/7 to check your balance! Call 414-937-0470 and enter your  M•CARD serial number (number on the back of your card after the 05-). 

What if I’m paying for more than one person?

  • Let the driver know you are paying as a group fare BEFORE you touch the card to the farebox. Wait until the bus operator tells you it is okay to place the card on the farebox. The farebox will deduct the appropriate amount from your MCTS M•CARD and upload a group transfer to your card.

What do I do if my MCTS M∙CARD is lost or stolen?

  • You must register your M•CARD to protect the value on the card. Register your card at M∙CARD Online or write down the serial number which is located on the lower left hand side on the back of the card (starts with 05), and keep this number in a safe place.

    In the event your card is lost or stolen, contact M∙CARD Services by calling 414-937-0470 or 711 (TRS) during regular business hours. The value can be transfered to a new M•CARD. 

    * Please note that M•CARDs cannot be registered the same day they are purchased.

If I lose my registered MCTS M•CARD, how long do I have to wait for a replacement?

  1. Inform M•CARD Services during regular business hours at 414-937-0470 or 711 (TRS). You can also report your card as lost or stolen on M∙CARD Online.
  2. Your card will be blocked (may take up to 36 hours). Any fraudulent rides taken on a lost or stolen card during that time will not count against your Stored Cash Value or pass.
  3. You will need to buy a replacement M•CARD by visiting an M•CARD retail sales location and following the normal purchasing rules OR you can come to the MCTS Administration Building during regular business hours.

What is M•CARD Online?

  • With M•CARD Online, riders can register their card, check their balance, add money (passes or Stored Cash Value) to their M•CARD or even order a new card, all from a computer, tablet or smartphone. Visit the M•CARD Online page for more information.

Can I punch a hole in my MCTS M•CARD to carry it on my keychain?

  • No. You should NEVER punch a hole in your MCTS M•CARD. All M•CARDs contain a computer chip that can be damaged and cause the MCTS M•CARD to perform improperly. Please do not bend, puncture, cut or damage your MCTS M•CARD in any way.

Can I have different fare forms on one card?

  • Yes, you can. You will have the ability to load up to two passes – with one pass being active – and stored cash value amount up to $100 on an M•CARD.  The pass will always be used first, and then the stored cash value will be used.

I need to manage a large number of MCTS users through my organization. How can I do this?

  • MCTS has several options that can work for large organizations or non-profit groups that need to provide MCTS fares to their members. Please contact MCTS M•CARD Services at 414-937-0470 or send an email to mcardservices@mcts.org to discuss solutions with a member of our team. Our staff is available to help Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

How does the M•CARD affect my bus travel to Waukesha County?

  • Passengers may transfer for free between the MCTS GoldLine and Waukesha Metro if they have:
    • Valid transfer from MCTS (on M•CARD or Ride MCTS app) or Waukesha Metro or,
    • an active MCTS or Waukesha Metro Pass (1,7 or 31-Day)
  • Passengers requesting an additional transfer:
    • From Waukesha Metro to MCTS must pay full MCTS fare
    • From MCTS to Waukesha Metro must pay 50 cents

Can I get a Refund?
There are no refunds for fares – mobile or otherwise. Any other associated fees are non-refundable.

If you think that we have made an error in taking or processing your fare purchase, please call MCTS customer service during normal business hours.

What If I Have Other Questions About My Card?

  • Customers with questions about their MCTS M•CARD can contact M•CARD Services at (414) 937-0470 or 711 (TRS) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Customers can also send in their questions via an online form found here. 

 

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