MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The Monroe County Transportation Authority provides the Pocono Pony bus services, which transport people around the county. The agency is proposing its first fare increase since 2014: Adult fares would increase from $1.50 to $2.00 in the new year.
"We are required to maintain a fare recovery rate, and we are not hitting that right now because since it's been so long since our last fare increase, so it's important to make sure we hit those guidelines," explained Rich Schlameuss, CEO of MCTA.
Officials say the fares have helped keep equipment current and made new programs, like the Pony Plus micro-transit, possible in the last ten years.
Another proposed change for 2025 would be to do away with MCTA-issued payment cards.
Instead, Riders will be able to use their bank cards or other systems, such as Apple Pay and the Cash app.
"That will entitle them to a fare cap so they don't spend any more than $4 a day, $20 a week, or $64 a month on adult fare," explained Schlameuss.
Last year, Pocono Pony provided more than 220,000 rides, so officials wanted to hear from riders about the upcoming changes.
"If folks would like to make comments but are not able to attend the public hearing, we have comment cards on our vehicles. They can fill them out and put them in the fare box, or they can go to our website. There is a link right on the front," said Schlameuss.
Officials say other proposed changes will include discounted fares to eligible college/trade school students at $1.30 and persons with disabilities at $1 with free transfers.
Children and students K-12 with valid school-issued IDs may ride fare-free.
A public comment hearing will be held on Thursday, November 21st, at 5:30 p.m. at the MCTA office in Swiftwater.