Trans-Bridge Lines: 84 Years of Resilience and Growth
Celebrating a legacy of perseverance and dedication to the public
For 84 years, Trans-Bridge Lines has built a legacy of resilience and innovation in the transportation industry. With nearly a century of operational experience, the company reflects on its history and the journey that has shaped its success.
Read Trans-Bridge Lines press release.
A Legacy of Perseverance
“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.”
The company’s roots date back to 1917, when A.J. Ferraro, a pioneer in the bus industry, converted a truck into a bus. In 1941, Ferraro, along with his son John and daughter Camille, officially founded Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc., initially based in Washington and later in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Following A.J. Ferraro’s passing in 1977, the second generation took over, led by Camille, her husband James, and her brothers Joe and John. Under their leadership, the company continued to expand, laying the foundation for future growth.
Now in its fourth generation, Trans-Bridge Lines is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The company also operates an affiliate, Trans-Bridge Tours, which was established in 1969 as Holiday Tours.
A Family Tradition of Leadership
“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.”
Today, the company operates from a 27,470-square-foot facility in the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, spanning 10 acres. This headquarters houses the maintenance, operations, accounting, communications, charter, and human resources departments, along with executive management offices, the Trans-Bridge Tours office, and a ticket office.
Modern Fleet and Services
Trans-Bridge Lines maintains a fleet of 36 standard MCI 54-60 passenger motorcoaches, primarily J4500 models, with some MCI D4500 commuter buses and four Prevost executive coaches featuring 2-and-1 seating. These state-of-the-art coaches include spiral entryways, tiered seating, outlets for personal electronic devices, Wi-Fi, window shades, individual reading lights, and air vents. All coaches are wheelchair accessible, and the average fleet age is just six years old.
The company offers transportation services to New York City, Newark Airport, Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino, and Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Its departure locations are Lehigh Valley and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Northwest New Jersey.
Charter services cater to various groups, including weddings, corporate and business travelers, church groups, schools, sports teams, and other organizations. Additionally, Trans-Bridge Lines provides customized one-day and overnight trip planning, covering sporting events, shows, Atlantic City excursions, and special city tours.
Trans-Bridge Tours, the company’s affiliate, specializes in One-Day and Multi-Day Tours, Casino Tours, and Air and Cruise Vacations. It offers travelers curated experiences designed with convenience and comfort in mind.
A History That Moves Forward
As Trans-Bridge Lines celebrates 84 years, its commitment to innovation, customer service, and resilience remains steadfast. The company has continued to evolve through decades of change and challenges, ensuring it remains a trusted transportation provider for generations.
