Trans-Bridge Lines has announced that it recently completed its 2024 Safety Week event. Employees attended a week-long series of sessions on all aspects of safety which included presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on training. Safety Week was held at the company’s Industrial Drive, Bethlehem location, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal’s Times Square Hall room. Safety Week continues Trans-Bridge Lines’ ongoing commitment to safety in every situation and a dedication to employees, passengers, and the communities they serve.
This year’s Safety Week presented a full schedule based on the theme, “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. “We were grateful for everyone’s participation.”
The week was highlighted by several guest speakers who presented Trans-Bridge employees with 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 take-down of a bus
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) – Human trafficking
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – 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 based on their areas of expertise. Subjects included harassment, health and wellness, OSHA safety standards, technology and cybersecurity, fire extinguisher use, and avoiding bus and vehicle accidents.
Tom JeBran, President of Trans-Bridge Lines, addressed employees with his “State of the Company” report. Tom spoke about the latest news surrounding train service and congestion pricing. He announced the purchase of four new buses and the sale of some older models to maintain a bus fleet of approximately 40 buses. 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.”
During the New York session, seventeen drivers were honored with Safe Driver Awards. Each received a Certificate of Achievement and engraved pin designating their years of safe driving. 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 mantle clock for 25 years, and Ross Forsythe received a mantle 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 type. The focus is prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery. It is intended to explore and evaluate multi-agency coordination of preventative and protective actions related to an emergency. These exercises afford valuable opportunities 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 (TSA).
“We were pleased with the depth of information that our employees received,” JeBran states. “Our team received valuable tips for handling several types of emergency scenarios. There is no such thing as being over-prepared in today’s world.”