Bethlehem, PA – When you have been in business for 84 years, you gain a vast amount of experience in operating a company. As Trans-Bridge Lines marks its 84th year in business, we reflect on the company’s history.
“Over the years, the company has faced everything from bankruptcies and natural disasters to terrorist attacks and a pandemic; all affecting the ability to run the company,” says Trans- Bridge Lines President Tom JeBran, “One thing has never changed; our resilience in facing challenges in creative and effective ways.”
JeBran’s grandfather, A.J. Ferraro, considered a pioneer in the bus industry, started in 1917 when he converted a truck into a bus. In 1941, Ferraro, along with his son, John, and daughter, Camille, founded Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc. and based the company out of Washington, then Phillipsburg, N.J
In 1977, A.J. passed away, and the company was managed by the second generation of leadership, which included Camille and her husband, James, and brothers, Joe and John.
Now in its fourth generation of leadership, the company has been based in Bethlehem, PA, since 1981 and includes the affiliate company, Trans-Bridge Tours, which was founded in 1969 as Holiday Tours.
“The business has always been part of our everyday lives,” says Executive Vice President and Treasurer Jim JeBran, “Being around the operation continually, Tom and I were aware of the company’s struggles and triumphs. We did every job from washing buses to working in the shop and office. By 1981, we were both full-time employees.”
The Lehigh Valley Industrial Park facility is approximately 27,470 square feet of building, sitting on 10 acres of land. The space contains maintenance, operations, accounting, communications, charter, and human resources departments, along with executive management offices, the Trans-Bridge Tours office, and ticket office.
Trans-Bridge Lines maintains a fleet of 36 standard MCI 54-60 passenger motorcoaches. The fleet is mainly J4500 models, with some MCI D4500 commuter buses and four Prevost executive coaches with 2-and-1 seating. The “J” models feature spiral entryways, tiered seating, outlets for personal electronic devices, Wi-Fi, window shades, and, individual reading lights and air vents. All coaches are also wheelchair accessible. The average age of the fleet 6 years old.
Services include transportation to New York City, Newark Airport, Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino, and Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Departures locations include Lehigh Valley and Bucks County, PA and Northwest N.J.
Charter Services are available for weddings, corporate or business groups, church groups, schools, sport teams, and organizations.
Custom-designed planning for one-day and over- night trips, sporting events, shows, Atlantic City trips, and special city tours is also provided.
Affiliate company, Trans-Bridge Tours, offers One- Day Tours, Multi-Day Tours, Casino Tours, and Air and Cruise Vacations.
