BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Trans-Bridge Lines unveiled 16 new, low-emissions motorcoaches during a July 22 press conference held at its Industrial Drive headquarters. The new fleet buses, made 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.

Dent commended Trans-Bridge for using mostly private funding to spur its green initiative. Trans-Bridge Lines has invested more than $7 million in new eco-friendly coaches, replacing older, less efficient models.

The coaches feature 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.