Big 4-OH!
MCTA celebrated it's 40th Year of Service to Monroe County with an event on October 15th at 10 AM at St. Luke's Hospital
Events
Pocono Pony provides individual and group trips to shows and events in and around Monroe County, Monday through Friday. Seniors, 65+ and Persons with Disabilities are eligible for subsidized rates. Fares are based on mileage traveled and the rider's eligibility for fare subsidies. All buses are ADA Accessible.
Do you have a group who would like to travel to an event on Pocono Pony? Give us a call!
For more information, or to schedule your ride for any of the listed events contact the marketing team.
Tony Giudice 570-839-6282 x 425.
All riders must be registered with our Shared Ride Program.
Sign Up....
Pocono Pony publishes a quarterly "Entertainment Brochure." Be the first to discover shows and entertainment we are going to. If you would like to receive our "Entertainment Brochure" electronically, please notify us and we will be happy to add you to our email list. Contact Tony at 570-839-6282 x 425. We never share your personal information.
Mama Nina's
Italian Restaurant
LunchCasino
Wednesday, April 17, 2022
Arrive: 11:30 AM | Mama Nina's Italian Restaurant
Depart: 3:00 PM | Wind Creek Casino
$37 plus Transportation Cost
Take a trip to Bethlehem that includes a tasty lunch and time at the Wind Creek Casino.
11:30 AM
Arrive at Mama Nina's Italian Restaurant
Choice of 6 entrees, coffee, canoli and a complimentary glass of wine.
1:30 PM
Arrive at Wind Creek Casino
Walk in and enjoy the sights, sounds, and thrills at the casino.
4:30 PM
Departure
Email Reservation by March 23, 2022 or call 570 839-6282 x 425Transportation cost based on distance
Cooper's
SEAFOOD HOUSE
Shoppes at Montage Mountain
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Arrive: Noon
Depart: 4:30 PM
$20 plus Transportation Cost
Lunch and Shopping in Scranton
Enjoy a day in Scranton, starting with lunch at the famous Cooper's Seafood House. After lunch we'll take you to the Shoppes at Montage Mountain - Christmas Tree Shop, Lane Bryant, Talbots, Yankee Candle and more.
Email Reservation by April 13, 2022 or call 570 839-6282 x 425Transportation cost separate based on distance, tax and gratuity included.
Wine
Tasting
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vinyard
Blue Ridge Winer
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Arrive: 11:00 AM | Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vinyard
Depart: 3:00 PM | Blue Ridge Winery
$38 plus Transportation Cost
Enjoy a Taste of Monroe County
11:00 AM
Arrive at Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vinyard
6 tastings, pretzels and souvenir glass.
12 Noon
Lunch at Mamma Lucia's Pizzeria
Cheese and Margherita pizzas baked in a wood fired brick oven.
1:30 PM
Arrive at Blue Ridge Winery
5 tastings, souvenir class. Tour of the underground winery.
3:00 PM
Departure
Email Reservation by May 18, 2022 or call 570 839-6282 x 425Transportation cost based on distance
Events
MCTA Commissions New CNG Fueling Station and Three New CNG Buses
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.
Select Event Photos
Welcoming Address
Peggy Howarth, Executive Director of MCTA providing the welcoming address for the event.
Senator Mario Scavello
Senator Mario Scavello presented some highlights of making this project a success. His leadership on the gas pipeline was instrumental.
Wayne Mazure, MCTA Vice Chair
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.
Jennie Granger, Deputy Secretary, PennDOT
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.
Ribbon Cutting
The Pocono Chamber of Commerce presented the ribbon and scissors for us to use in this event.
Media Relations
Peggy Howarth being interviewed by BRCTV 13 Tom McIntyre.
Events
MCTA Celebrates it's Big 4-OH!
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.
Select Event Photos
News
Catch Up To Florence
![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.]](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.
Community Outreach
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 (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.