Route Maps, Fares, and Schedules with links!

FARES & SCHEDULES FOR LA CROSSE AREA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Borealis & Empire Builder   *   MTU   *   SMRT   *   Onalaska/Holmen/West Salem

The new Borealis (formerly TCMC) started service on May 21. This schedule shows both the Empire Builder and the Borealis schedules. For Borealis and Empire Builder information and tickets, visit https://www.amtrak.com/home.html  Amtrak also operates buses that provide more schedule options between stops. Those will be shown at their website.

If you ride the train frequently, consider getting an Amtrak credit card. There are often great incentives to open an account (sometimes, free companion passes and points to use toward tickets or upgrades). Learn more at https://www.amtrak.com/guestrewards/apply.html  

Be aware that the on-time record for the eastbound Empire Builder is pretty awful. Sometimes it's on time or even a little early, but sometimes it's hours late. You can check the status of a train at the Amtrak website (Check Status). Check by train number (8 for east bound Empire Builder) at LSE,


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MTU

Click on thumbnails below to open the map. This will let you view the map, the route schedule, or the circulator map and timetable. You can also download the complete Ride Guide here. 

To see where the buses are in real time, get the DoubleMap app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (Apple devices). Or visit the web-based DoubleMap site (desktops/laptops). This system is being phased out and will be replaced by another app in spring 2025.

Or try the MTU Google Transit Widget.

SCHEDULE


ROUTE MAP


 FARES

 
Download the MTU Mobile Pay app (for Android or for Apple) and have access to special fares, like one day pass, week pass, month pass, year pass. 

The MTU also operates the Safe Ride bus which provides night rides between the three postsecondary campuses on certain days during the academic year. Get more details here: https://www.uwlax.edu/u-pass/safe-ride/
 
 Connections: The MTU connects with the Onalaska-Holmen-West Salem Shared Ride Taxi service at Valley View Mall. You can use a transfer between the services. The MTU connects with the SMRT system at or near several stops, including Aldi (was Shopko) south, UWL on State Street near Campbell Road, WTC on 7th Street, King & Fifth (in front of La Crosse Polytechnic), Mayo Clinic (the shelter stop just outside the hospital), and Gundersen Health just outside the East Building. There are no transfers between the two systems; you must pay the fare for each.
 
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SCENIC MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL TRANSIT (SMRT)

These schedules are current as of September 15, 2024. Please check the SMRT web page for possible schedule updates. The SMRT routes go from La Crosse to Tomah, Viroqua, and Prairie du Chien. SMRT also offers rides to the Amtrak station on the mid-morning (Yellow #2) route if you ask in advance. Signs for bus stops are coming soon. Until then, it's probably a good idea to call and ask exactly where your bus will pick up. You may be told to call the driver for that information. Call SMRT at 877-444-6543

The SMRT bus does NOT run on Saturday or Sunday nor on these holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. All buses are handicap-accessible. Some have bike racks (call to ask) or may allow you to bring a bike on the bus. You may flag a bus down along its route and the driver will stop if it is safe to do so. If you want to get on along the route, call to arrange it.

FARES are $4 per ride. You may purchase punch cards for a discount - 10 for $36, 20 for $72 or monthly passes for $120. 

Check the RideSMRT.com website for more information and updated schedules.
 
 
GREEN ROUTE: La Crosse - Onalaska - West Salem - Sparta - Tomah
 
 

YELLOW & BLUE ROUTES: La Crosse - Coon Valley - Westby - Viroqua

RED ROUTE: La Crosse - Stoddard - Genoa - DeSoto - Ferryville - Lynxville - PdC

 

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ONALASKA-HOLMEN-WEST SALEM SHARED RIDE TAXI

Onalaska-Holmen-West Salem Shared Ride Taxi (608-784-0000) is an on-demand door-to-door service for people living in the cities of Onalaska, Holmen, and West Salem. If you are outside the city, you will not be served, but you can start at or get to the nearest stop. You must call in advance to arrange your ride. The vehicles don't have bike racks but may be able to accommodate a bicycle inside, depending on who else is riding. They are all handicap accessible. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. most days. Check the website or call for schedule changes on holidays. The fares vary depending upon age/ability of rider and how often one rides. The standard single-ride fare is $4.50.  You can connect with the MTU at Valley View Mall. You may use an MTU transfer from the MTU to the OHWS service and back, paying the first service fare for each ride. 
 

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RIDE WITH A GUIDE!

If you haven't ridden before or it's been a while since your ast bus experience and you would like a Ride Guide to ride with you, explain the system, and answer your questions, please email Lacrossetransitadvocates@proton.me or call 608-315-2693.

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