Trans-Bridge Lines sent its employees to safety school for a week of training that covered topics from active shooter scenarios to human trafficking.
During its 2024 Safety Week event, Trans-Bridge Lines employees attended sessions on all aspects of safety which included presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on training.
Safety Week was held at the company’s Bethlehem, Pennsylvania location and the Port Authority Bus Terminal’s Times Square Hall room. Its theme was “See Something, Say Something.”
“The goal this year was to grow Safety Week and build upon past years. We incorporated several new topics and included more emergency management personnel to present a well-rounded and comprehensive overview of safety,” said Anthony “AJ” Maniscalco, Security, Safety and Training Manager.
Guest experts
The week was highlighted by several guest speakers who gave Trans-Bridge employees important tips and information:
- City of Bethlehem Police Department: Active shooter scenarios
- City of Bethlehem Police and Pennsylvania State Police: K9 demonstration
- City of Bethlehem Police Department: SWAT takedown of a bus
- Truckers Against Trafficking: Human trafficking
- Transportation Security Administration: First observer and de-escalation
- RLI Insurance Company: Safe driving and accident claims
- City of Bethlehem Fire Department: Fire evacuation tips and EMS demonstration
In addition, Trans-Bridge Lines staff members gave presentations on subjects including harassment, health and wellness, OSHA safety standards, technology and cybersecurity, fire extinguisher use, and avoiding bus and vehicle accidents.
‘State of company’ address
Tom JeBran, President of Trans-Bridge Lines, addressed employees with his “State of the Company” report. He spoke about the latest news surrounding train service and congestion pricing. He also announced the purchase of four new buses and the sale of some older models to maintain a fleet of about 40 buses. He said the shortage of bus supplies, the demand for parts and fluctuating diesel fuel prices continue to impact expenses.
“I take the opportunity to give our ‘State of the Company’ report each year because I feel our employees deserve to know our challenges and accomplishments. We discuss what we have done in the past year, what is currently in progress, and our goals for the future,” said JeBran. “We are a team, and everyone brings something to the table with their ideas and constructive criticisms.”
The Pennsylvania company, which began in 1941, offers daily service to New York City and Newark Airport from the Lehigh Valley area and Clinton, New Jersey, as well as weekday service to Wall Street.
During the New York session, 17 drivers were honored with Safe Driver Awards. Each received a Certificate of Achievement and engraved pin designating their years of safe driving.
Milestone Achievements
Additionally, three employees were honored for milestone achievements. William “Bill” Bond received a plaque for his 23 years of safe driving, Mark Obert received a mantel clock for 25 years, and Ross Forsythe received a mantel clock for 27 years.
The week culminated with an EXIS Tabletop Discussion which was attended by more than 30 area police, fire, medical, and emergency management personnel. EXIS (Exercise Information System) is an exercise that examines security measures for situations specific to a business or organization. It is intended to evaluate multi-agency coordination of preventative and protective actions in an emergency situation, and is an opportunity to better understand the roles of each agency in response to a major security incident.
Participants included city of Bethlehem Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Lehigh Valley Airport Police, Easton Police, Allentown Police, Bethlehem Township Police, Moravian University, Colonial Regional Police, city of Bethlehem Fire Company, city of Bethlehem Engine Company, city of Bethlehem EMS, city of Bethlehem Emergency Management, Public Health and Emergency Preparedness (Bethlehem), St. Luke’s Hospital, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and Transportation Security Administration.
“We were pleased with the depth of information that our employees received,” JeBran said. “Our team received valuable tips for handling several types of emergency scenarios. There is no such thing as being overprepared in today’s world.”
