Swiftwater, PA | Nearly twenty years ago, with creative direction and design by Cassidy, Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA) took on a new look and fresh brand: the “Pocono Pony.” Over the years, the brand has become a regional icon representing the culture of the county. The brand’s colors represent the lush green hills and the clear blue skies of the Pocono Mountains. And today, the “Pocono Pony” brand endures and continues to grow.
MCTA, which started as a one-bus operation, has grown to a fleet of gasoline and compressed natural gas-powered buses (CNG) fixed route buses serving four main routes; 31 Shared ride vehicles providing services for seniors and people with special needs, and a microtransit bus service. All carry the original brand identity that was awarded eight American Public Transportation Association Awards.
With creative direction from Cassidy, MCTA adopted “Giddy Up & Go” as a marketing mantra aimed at growing ridership. Together the team identified eight marketing targets to direct agency efforts toward meeting specific fixed-route consumer needs. The targets included college students, recreation enthusiasts, the local workforce, health facilities’ patients, and shoppers.
As new buses were added, MCTA continued to rely on Cassidy to bring ideas to life. Bus design recognized the region’s expanded diversity and celebrated agency milestones.
Right: Celebrating 40 years of service
Over the years, the Pocono Pony has kept pace with the transportation needs of the Pocono Mountain region. In the fall of 2020, MCTA introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses to the fleet. Again, Cassidy was onboard for creativity. Working for nearly a year alongside the MCTA team, Cassidy developed the buses retro 1970’s-style. The goal was to create a persona for each bus that engages current transit riders and attracts new interest in sustainable transportation. See more about the launch of the original CNG buses here.
In the fall of 2021, MCTA introduced the “second season” CNG buses. The buses continued the retro 70s theme but were adorned with a fall palette.
Microtransit is the latest chapter in the “Pocono Pony” story. PonyPlus is an app-enabled microtransit service that offers door-to-door transportation similar to other rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for just $2 per ride. Riders can book a trip on the PonyPlus app, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Service is available in the Pocono Summit Area and also in Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, and Stroudsburg Borough.
