MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The wheels on the bus are always on the go throughout Monroe County, but one bus was parked for the day on Main Street in Stroudsburg.
Staff from the Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA) set up shop for Rider Appreciation Day to connect with passengers.
"We're having a lot of fun, a lot of people stopping, many of them have ridden, so it's fun to see who their favorite drivers are and things like that," said Peggy Howarth, an official with MCTA.
As a thank you for using public transportation, fares for the day were free.
"It's very important for the people who don't drive around here. You can't always get around anywhere," said commuter Pat Ferreria.
Howarth says getting people from point A to point B is something the agency is always looking to make more efficient.
"We're always looking at ways to advance and improve technology, to broaden our reach to a lot of people in Monroe County."
The MCTA is also highlighting some new technology, including a device that shows riders in real time where their bus is located—if it's going to be late, if it's ahead of schedule. Riders we spoke with say it's pretty convenient.
"I think it's just great because it tells you when the bus is coming, so say you're by Walmart, and you see you've got enough time, you can go back in the store and shop, then come back and they tell you the exact time, and it's right on time," Ferreria said.
Currently, there are five solar-powered devices scattered across the county from Stroudsburg to Mount Pocono.
Howarth says they're located in highly-traveled areas of the county
"It says when the next bus is arriving. It shows the direction of the bus, and it will also say when the next bus is, so there is the next bus and a second bus, so they have options," Howarth said.
The Monroe County Transit Authority has a sixth device, and they are trying to determine where to place it.