Beyond Vision Statement on MCTS Forward Service Reduction Concepts
Milwaukee, WI. September 20, 2026: Beyond Vision, a Milwaukee-area social enterprise employing people who are blind or visually impaired, is raising concerns about two service reduction concepts under consideration by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) as part of its MCTS Forward initiative to close a projected $15.7 million budget deficit for 2027. One of the two concepts under review would concentrate service on high-ridership routes, a change that could significantly reduce or eliminate bus and paratransit access to western Milwaukee County, home to Beyond Vision’s West Allis campus. MCTS is seeking public input on the concepts through October 24.
“Accessible, affordable public transportation is critical to thriving communities. Especially for people who don’t drive, including people with disabilities. At Beyond Vision, that’s not an abstract concern: more than half of our employees are blind or visually impaired and do not drive, which makes reliable bus and paratransit service the difference between having a job and not having one.
Our initial review of the two concepts under MCTS Forward is concerning to us, both as an employer and as an advocate for people who are blind or visually impaired. The plan concentrating service on high-ridership routes appears likely to significantly reduce or eliminate bus and paratransit access to western Milwaukee County, home to Beyond Vision. For our employees, that’s not a commute inconvenience; it’s the loss of access to their jobs, along with the services, shopping, recreation, and medical care they rely on throughout this part of the County.
We understand the budget pressures MCTS is facing and want to be a partner in finding a sustainable path forward. The solution shouldn’t come with the loss of equal access to large areas of Milwaukee County for the people who depend on transit the most.
Our hope is that MCTS, the County Board and community members prioritize solutions that preserve access rather than shift the burden onto those with the fewest alternatives. We encourage everyone who relies on public transit, or cares about those who do, to make their voice heard through MCTS’s public input process, running now through October 24 at RideMCTS.com.”
— Rob Buettner, President & CEO, Beyond Vision
About Beyond Vision: Beyond Vision is a high-performing social enterprise employing people who are blind. Commercially competitive, the organization is 100% committed to delivering quality products and outsourced services through creativity, collaboration and common purpose. Jobs and careers at Beyond Vision offer financial stability and independence for people who are blind while providing a collaborative, forward-thinking work environment where each employee is encouraged to explore their own path to growth and success. Visit www.BeyondVision.com to learn more about the services offered, careers and mission.
Contact: Diana Voigt
414-778-5800 ext. 5869
dvoigt@beyondvision.com