Alert
Alert
MCTA celebrated it's 40th Year of Service to Monroe County with an event on October 15, 2019 at St. Luke's Hospital
Swiftwater, PA – Friends and collogues of The Monroe County Transportation Authority, also known as the Pocono Pony, gathered Thursday, September 17, 2020 to commission three new public transit buses and a CNG fueling station. The buses are American made, built by Gillig, LLC located in Livermore, California, and were purchased with grants provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), PennDOT, and Monroe County Commissioners.
“The combination of cost savings and extended engine life, will help us become more sustainable, thereby reducing reliance on state and federal subsidies to fund our operation,” stated Peggy Howarth, Executive Director of MCTA. “Ribbon cutting and commissioning ceremonies like this provide the opportunity to look back with pride on all our struggles and achievements it took to reach this point.”
The 35-foot long vehicles are heavy duty, low floor buses, much like MCTA’s current fleet, but they are fueled using compressed natural gas. Each has its own name, chosen by MCTA staff members.
The pink bus is “Jasmine,” which has an officially licensed Susan G. Komen breast cancer color. The lively teal bus was given the name “Shaquille O’Teal.” Last but not least, the bright green bus will be known as “Kiwi.” The interior of each bus has its own unique selection of colors, including the seats, floor, walls, ceiling, and interior lighting.
All are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, providing passengers with up-to-the-minute arrival times delivered to their mobile devices through MyStop and Transit. These apps are available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. MCTA has its own Smartcard technology that permits a digital, contactless way to pay fares on the bus known as the MOGO card. Each bus is handicapped accessible with “kneeling” capability and a wheelchair ramp.
The buses will operate starting Monday, September 21, 2020 on MCTA’s existing routes, which will result in reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.
Click here for more information on our public transit routes.
Peggy Howarth, Executive Director of MCTA providing the welcoming address for the event.
Senator Mario Scavello presented some highlights of making this project a success. His leadership on the gas pipeline was instrumental.
Mr. Mazure has been a board member of MCTA since 1979. His long experience as a board member and experience as a community leader has moved MCTA forward.
Ms. Granger, Deputy Secretary of Multimodal Transportation at PennDOT has been a key ally for MCTA in developing this projec and during our COVID response.
The Pocono Chamber of Commerce presented the ribbon and scissors for us to use in this event.
Peggy Howarth being interviewed by BRCTV 13 Tom McIntyre.
Monroe County Transit Authority celebrated its 40th Anniversary on October 15, 2019 with an event at St. Luke’s Hospital, Lower Level Conference Room. Remarks were made by local government officials, MCTA’s Board Members, and Director.
In 1979, MCTA began public transportation service with four buses. Forty years and millions of miles later, MCTA continues to provide quality public transit service. MCTA has grown into a fleet of 15 city buses and 48 paratransit vehicles, laden with technology and safety features, that covers every mile of the county and beyond between our Fixed Route, Shared Ride, and Flex Connect services. Through these services, MCTA provides accessible mobility options for all Monroe County residents.
MCTA is pleased to share our 40th Anniversary with the community and looks forward to the next 40 years.
MCTA Staff were also at the Giant Market bus stop during the day with various promotional items.
![Florence Metzgar, left, receives a certificate recognizing her 10,000th trip using her MoGo card with Pocono Pony from Peggy Howarth, executive director of MCTA, on Sept. 30, 2021. [MCTA photo. Image Copyright Reserved for MCTA only. Do not copy.]](https://www.gomcta.com/images/10000TripsFlorence.jpg)
Florence Metzgar, left, receives a certificate recognizing her 10,000th trip using her MoGo card with Pocono Pony from Peggy Howarth, executive director of MCTA, on Sept. 30, 2021. [MCTA photo. Image Copyright Reserved for MCTA only. Do not copy.]
Since July 2014, Florence Metzgar has taken more than 10,000 free senior rides on the Pocono Pony fixed route using her Senior MoGo smartcard. Seniors, 65 years or older, are eligible to ride the fixed route bus in Monroe County (or any other county in Pennsylvania), for free. The Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds fund the senior transportation program statewide. The MoGo smartcard is the Pocono Pony’s smart “tap and go” farecard system. Passengers under 65 years old can load cash or period pass amounts on the MoGo Card for easy boarding on the bus without needing to put money in the farebox.
Florence is a great ambassador for the Pocono Pony when on the bus or out in public. She often provides helpful information to new riders or people who want to ride. After taking more than 10,000 rides, Florence knows how the bus service works.
We are proud of Florence for her achievement and hope other seniors will use the bus as often as she does. The Pocono Pony fixed route service has stops from East Stroudsburg to Tobyhanna, at many of the most popular destinations in the county. Florence has taken a lot of rides to get to 10,000. Can you catch up to Florence? Tell us your story and how many trips you’ve made using your MoGo Card.
Our marketing team is on the road to keep you informed! You can arrange for MCTA staff to visit your company or organization to provide information to your staff or customers about the many transportation services available in Monroe County. Call Tony at (570) 839-6282 x 425 to schedule your visit.
Our Marketing Team makes time to visit with many organizations throughout the county. Make yours one of them. Schedule your visit now.