Klein Transportation announces temporary layoffs, closure

Klein Transportation has temporarily laid off 70 employees and suspended chartered tourist trips and daily bus service to New York City due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The family-run, Amity Township business has four employees manning the telephones from their homes to reschedule trips and answer questions from patrons. The company closed its office on Route 422.

The layoffs include 10 full-time and 60 part-time bus drivers, mechanics and office workers.

In addition to tourist trips, Klein provides bus services to Daniel Boone School District.

“We are a fourth-generation family business, and we feel our employees are an extension of our family,” Alison Klein Sherman, vice president of finance, said Monday. “Most of our employees are bus drivers, and our drivers aren’t driving the buses. This is temporary, and we will be back.”

The 62-year-old company has 50 school vehicles, including buses and vans, and 15 coach buses.

The decision to suspend service was reached March 17 after Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closing of non-essential businesses.

“The safety of our customers and our employees are our top priorities,” Sherman said. “This is really hitting our industry hard. It’s important that our drivers are able to support their families.”

Sherman said she expects to reinstate the employees as soon the pandemic is over. She could not predict a date when full service will resume.

“When it is deemed safe and you are willing and comfortable to travel again, Klein Transportation will be ready to go immediately,” Sherman said.