[IMAGE]TransBridgeLines-jjebran-full.jpg[/IMAGE]In a move to improve both the environment and local transportation options, Bethlehem, Pa.-based Trans-Bridge Lines unveiled 16 new low-emissions motorcoaches to its fleet during a press conference held at their Industrial Drive headquarters Tuesday. The coaches, manufactured by Motor Coach Industries (MCI), feature new engine technology that reduces particulate matter.

On hand for the event were U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent (R-Pa); State Senator Pat Browne (R-Lehigh County); Northampton County Executive John Stoffa and representatives from both state Senator Lisa Boscola's (D-Northampton) and state Rep. Douglas Reichley's (R-Berks/Lehigh) offices, among others.

"Traveling by motorcoach reduces congestion on our roads and highways. One coach has the potential to replace up to 55 cars," said Tom JeBran, president, Trans-Bridge Lines. "Our motorcoaches are eco-friendly in a variety of ways, making them more fuel-efficient, in essence, than the latest hybrid gas-electric cars."

Dent spoke about the way in which these new motorcoaches would benefit the
environment and commended Trans-Bridge for using mostly private funding to spur their green initiative.

Trans-Bridge Lines has invested in excess of $7,000,000 in new eco-friendly coaches, replacing older less efficient models.

The coach opeartion's new motorcoaches obtain the best passenger miles per gallons out of all forms of transportation including private automobiles, airlines and passenger rail, according to a company statement.

The coaches are equipped with Detroit Diesel engines and Allison transmissions. Key to the clean-air technology is the Diesel Particulate Filter, or DPF, that replaces a traditional exhaust system, and the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel, to meet rigorous new EPA standards.

Trans-Bridge Lines Executive Vice-President, Jim JeBran, demonstrated this new technology by placing his white-gloved hand under the exhaust pipe of one of the new buses as the engine was revved. The glove showed no traces of residue of any kind.

Other vehicle features include seats made out of recycled material and seat belts ahead of federal mandates. Trans-Bridge Lines was the first motorcoach company in the country to use the newest seating fabric made from recycle material, according to company officials.

Trans-Bridge Lines has also equipped its entire New York City run fleet with free Wi-Fi service, allowing passengers to enjoy connectivity as they travel.