Swiftwater, PA – Friends and colleagues 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.
MCTA invites you to “GET ON BOARD WITH CNG.” For more information, visit www.gomcta.com