[IMAGE]Trans-Bridge-ABA-Marketplace-1-2.jpg[/IMAGE]Bethlehem, Pa.-based tour and scheduled-service operator, Trans-Bridge Lines knows how to mark a milestone. This year, the company will observe its 70th anniversary with a celebratory customer trip to Tennessee, a special event for employees, and plans for a new Park & Ride facility.

Trans-Bridge Lines’ new Motorcoach Industries (MCI) J4500 coach also reflects the company’s achievement. It features a customized interior with upscale touches including laminated, enclosed parcel racks; plush leatherette seating by Amaya; three-point passenger seatbelts; power outlets; and an attention-getting shimmery gold-and-green exterior 3D decal.

This delivery represents one of seven new MCI coaches Trans-Bridge added to its fleet in 2010. 

“We’re committed to keeping our fleet modernized,” said Tom JeBran, president of Trans-Bridge, who, with his brother Jim JeBran, vice president, represents the third generation of family members to lead the company. “Our new J4500 has many extra features that make it a special coach for us.  We plan to use it for our high-end tour and charter business.”

MCI, a leading builder of intercity coaches in the U.S. and Canada, showcased  Trans-Bridge’s new J4500 in its exhibit area at American Bus Association’s Marketplace, which took place Jan. 6 through Jan. 9 in Philadelphia. 

The ABA Marketplace brings together over 3,500 professionals in the motor coach, tourism and travel industry. Tom JeBran serves on the ABA’s Board of Directors as Vice Chairman.

With a fleet of 75 vehicles including 69 motor coaches, most made by MCI, Trans-Bridge is one of the largest privately held operators in the country. In addition to tours and charters, Trans-Bridge runs a highly successful commuter service to several points in New York City, along with daily trips to nearby casinos and Atlantic City. It also serves customers with transportation to area airports and piers.

Trans-Bridge will mark its 70th-year by drawing up plans for a Park & Ride on its property to increase convenience and security for its riders. More officially, customers will help celebrate the company’s anniversary during a special trip to Pigeon Forge, Aug. 22 through Aug. 26. The trip includes a tour of the Smoky Mountains, visits to area attractions and a dinner theater party hosted by JeBran family members.

Key contributors to the Trans-Bridge team, including Kirby Parnell and Frank Warga, and the rest of its 200 employees, will celebrate the company’s anniversary with a special event this summer as well.

Founded in 1941 by A.J. Ferraro and family, the company first operated transit, charters and tours from a base in Port Colden, N.J.  In 1981, Trans-Bridge Lines and Tri-City Coach Lines, a family-owned charter coach company based in Bethlehem, merged and moved to a new facility in Bethlehem's Lehigh Valley Industrial Park.  Today, Trans-Bridge and its related Lehigh Valley Motocoach operate charters and scheduled service. Trans-Bridge Tours offers tours throughout the U.S. and Canada, along with air and cruise vacation packages.

Active in its community and within the industry, Trans-Bridge provides annual transportation to the Spirit of Lehigh Valley Christmas Eve Dinner for the less fortunate, serving and giving gifts to nearly 5,000 people since 1989. Trans-Bridge is a member of the ABA, IMG, Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association, and the Pennsylvania Bus Association, where Jim JeBran is chairman of its Board of Directors.