Monroe County Transportation Authority's (MCTA) PonyPlus (Pocono Pony) has rolled out a new mobile app powered by Via that is set to go live and accept bookings on Sept. 1.
“Via is proud to partner with MCTA to create a more rider-centric and efficient on-demand transit experience for residents and visitors in Monroe County,” said Jake Bortz, northeast partnerships lead at Via. “MCTA’s decision to switch to Via’s software to power the PonyPlus represents another step forward in the agency’s leadership in building tech-forward transportation offerings.”
To use the app, riders request a ride using the free PonyPlus app (available in the Google Play and App Store). Via’s algorithms match riders headed in the same direction into one van, creating quick and efficient shared trips. Riders can travel anywhere within the geofenced zone of either the Tri-Boro Connector or the Pocono Summit Connector. The app gives riders an estimated pick-up time and tracks vehicles in real-time so riders can see when the ride is almost at their location.
“After evaluating the first year of PonyPlus service, we decided to upgrade and improve the functionality of our app, which is the heart of booking trips for our on-demand service,” said Rich Schlameuss, CEO of MCTA. “Riders will need to download the new app and create a new account. Then, they can start booking trips.”
With the new PonyPlus app, riders will be able to experience more efficient trip routing, improved ride tracking and an intuitive booking experience. The PonyPlus will continue to cost $2 per ride and operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The service zones are the Tri-Boro Connector, covering the boroughs of East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg and Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Summit Connector, covering Mount Pocono Borough and Pocono Summit.
For riders seeking to reach areas of Monroe County outside the service zones, PonyPlus can transport riders to a fixed route bus stop. PonyPlus vans are accessible for riders using canes, walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Payment for the trip can be made with cash, payable to the driver or by using a credit card in the app.
