The Monroe Transit System (MTS) is the public transit provider for the Monroe area. Operated by the City of Monroe, MTS provides both fixed-route bus service and demand-response Para transit service. Whether you live, work, or are visiting in Monroe, the Monroe Transit System is a safe, convenient, and economical way to travel. With many routes providing service every 45 minutes Monday through Saturday (see route schedule for actual times), Monroe Transit is the smart way to travel! Regional Plan Scope Click here for important announcements Bus Shelter Murals - Call for Entries

Bus Information: 329-2207 Paratransit / Main Office: 329-2506

In 1903, at the urging of Mayor A.A. Forsythe, the Monroe City Council voted to begin the first municipal railroad in the United States. The city awarded a $100,000 contract to the Westinghouse Electrical Co. in 1904 to build the city-owned street railway. Construction began in May of 1905, but was delay due to an epidemic of Yellow Fever struck Monroe.

On June 11, 1906, the first official run of the Monroe Municipal Street Railway was made by Mayor Forsythe, city officials, and prominent Monroe residents. Revenue service on the four lines began June 15, 1906. By this time, West Seattle, WA had already begun the first municipally owned street railway, making Monroe the second in the U.S.

The street railway continued to operate until 1938. Although many extensions were made to the railway throughout its operation, Monroe was expanding, making buses a more economical and practical option. The final streetcar rand down the Lee Avenue line on August 21, 1938.

Since its beginning in 1906, Monroe Transit has been continuously owned and operated by the city of Monroe. Throughout its almost 100 years, Monroe Transit has been the public transportation provider to the city of Monroe. Today, thirteen (13) fixed routes and Paratransit services serve the citizens of Monroe.

Over the past few years, Monroe Transit has renewed its bus fleet. With the purchase of six buses in 2003 and four buses in 2005, the average age of the active fleet is 4.2 years. 2005 also saw the addition of evening service, extending the hours of operation until 9:30 pm weeknights.