In 2019, Milwaukee County made a commitment to racial equity and declared racism to be a public health crisis. The County has resolved to "Advocate for policies that improve health in communities of color," among other initiatives. The 27th Street Corridor is home to many racially and ethnically diverse communities in the City of Milwaukee, which is among the most segregated metro areas in the Nation.
This segregation has led to many disparities when it comes to access to convenient transportation to jobs/income, education, healthcare, grocery stores, and other essential services, which can negatively impact health and economic opportunity. A transit investment into the 27th Street area could be a catalyst for development and job growth within the corridor.
Milwaukee County Population by Race and Ethnicity
Enhanced transit service along this corridor would improve access for people of color and low-income residents who are more likely to rely on transit.
21%
of families in poverty in
Milwaukee County live within
a 1/2 mile of the PurpleLine
People of color or Hispanic ethnicity make up
75%
of the population in the PurpleLine corridor.
Nearly 1 in 5 households without a car in Milwaukee County are within a 1/2 mile of the PurpleLine
Investing in Racial Equity and Income Equality
Service During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 Safer-at-Home order, the MCTS PurpleLine carried more riders per weekday than any other MCTS route. To continue to meet the need for essential travel with a ten-rider-per-bus limit, the hours of service for the PurpleLine have increased by 14-18 percent on weekdays and weekends.