Memories of the snowy winter in 2026 still linger for many, especially those who braved the harsh conditions to dig out their vehicles. Now, imagine the challenge for city buses navigating those same icy paths.
Significant snowfall caused transit delays across regions such as the Poconos, forcing some services to halt entirely. “We actually closed twice for the whole day because we just weren’t able to get everything pulled out,” said Monroe County Transportation Authority CEO Rich Schlameuss. He added, “There were some days that we had to delay service because we had to clean off all our buses before they were ready to go on the street.”
In a bid to mitigate such disruptions in the future, the MCTA has embarked on a significant infrastructural project.
The agency, commonly referred to as the “Pocono Pony,” has initiated the construction of the Wayne P. Mazur Sr. Bus Depot, a $32 million development.
Named after a founding board member, this 44,000-square-foot facility in Swiftwater represents the most significant expansion in the 47-year history of Pocono Pony, according to officials.
Ensuring Weather Protection for Buses
The new depot is designed to offer sheltered storage for the entire bus fleet, safeguarding them against harsh weather and more. It will also feature upgraded maintenance areas equipped with modern tools, as described by MCTA.
MCTA operates 59 buses, with 14 dedicated to fixed routes and the remainder serving paratransit needs for seniors and individuals with mobility issues. Last year, the agency facilitated over 230,000 fixed-route trips and 80,000 paratransit journeys.
Schlameuss noted that the depot project “gives our team the tools they need to operate at the highest level and ensures our community has a transit system that is as resilient as the people it serves.”
The depot’s indoor storage will particularly benefit the fleet’s fuel types. “Diesel and compressed natural gas do not like cold weather,” said Mazur, MCTA’s board chairman. “It’s going to be a lot easier to start those buses in the morning so they can get out on the road.”
Moreover, the indoor facility aims to protect against theft and vandalism. Schlameuss recounted an incident where several vehicles had catalytic converters stolen, each replacement costing $1,000.
The funding for this project comes from the Federal Transit Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and a Local Share Account grant. Completion is anticipated by spring 2028.
Mazur’s Milestone Moment
This project holds personal and professional significance for Mazur, a lifelong resident of Pocono Township and a founding board member of MCTA since its inception in 1979. He currently chairs the board and played a pivotal role in the construction and subsequent enhancements of the existing MCTA facility.
Mazur highlighted the honor of having the depot named after him, especially given the legacy of previous namesakes: Martha Kitchen, “the mother of our authority,” and Roland Featherman, a former board member. “So to be placed in the same seat as both Roland and Martha Kitchen is quite an honor,” Mazur said. “It blew me away.”
Schlameuss emphasized the significance of this tribute, saying, “It’s a really important tribute to him and his leadership over all these years to get us to this point.”
