Pocono Pony provides free rides through national park

DINGMANS — The Monroe County Transit Authority recently launched the River Runner shuttle, which continues every weekend through Labor Day.

The free, weekend service will provide passenger, bike and boat portage from Delaware Water Gap borough to Dingmans Boat Access at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Service will also be available on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

The first bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Delaware Water Gap Martz Terminal and arrive by 8:55 at Dingmans Boat Access. It will make stops in between including the boat launches at Smithfield Beach and Bushkill. The last bus from Dingmans Boat Access south to Delaware Water Gap Martz Terminal will be at 6 p.m.. For full schedule details, visit www.gomcta.com/trip.php.

Kayakers, canoers and those who use the McDade Recreational Trail will find this service useful. Using the bus is simple: park your vehicle, load gear onto a River Runner and ride the bus to the launch site. The Delaware River is accessible to boaters utilizing only one vehicle.

Not only is the service useful to outdoor adventure sports enthusiasts, but also to outdoor photographers, swimmers, campers, hikers, bird watchers, and those who just want to explore the park. The River Runner’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TransitInThePark) keeps all users up-to-date with activities and interacts directly with fans who have questions about the service.

For those coming to the Pocono’s via Martz, use our service to connect to a number of outfitters along River Road or rent a bike at Smithfield Beach. Visit 800poconos.com for a list of outfitters accessible from the River Runner.

For more information about the River Runner visit MCTA’s Transit in the Park page at gomcta.com/trip.php or call 1-570-243-3400. For more information about the Monroe County Transit Authority’s buses and route schedules, visit: www.gomcta.com or call 1-570-839-6282.