C-TRAN rolled out its bus wrapped in a colorful new Clark College design on May 17 during the college’s popular Career Fair.

The Clark College themed artwork is C-TRAN’s eleventh custom bus wrap installed over a 40-foot diesel hybrid electric bus. C-TRAN created a custom wrap highlighting some of the college’s landmarks and defining places. Both sides of the bus feature the chime tower and the Penguin Union Building. Across the top of the artwork in a blue strip are these words: “hope, opportunity, transformation” followed by “Clark College.” The photography and design work were created in-house by C-TRAN staff. Later this week, the Clark College bus will hit the road around Clark County. The wraps last about five years.

Standing in the parking lot and facing the bus, C-TRAN CEO Shawn M. Donaghy noted that the colorful Clark College wrap was a favorite among transit agency employees.

Parked in the lot between Gaiser Hall and Child and Family Studies, the colorful bus drew attention. The novelty of introducing C-TRAN’s new Clark College themed bus to the college community turned into a party.

Clark President Dr. Karin Edwards climbed aboard and asked, “Can I drive the bus?” and hopped in the driver’s seat.

Oswald, Clark’s mascot, sauntered over to check out the bus. He took a turn sitting in the driver’s seat, too.

Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle arrived to join in the fun. She hugged Oswald and posed for a photo with Donaghy and Vancouver’s most popular penguin.

Three classes of youthful bus enthusiasts from Clark’s Child and Family Studies eagerly lined up to climb aboard and check out the bus. One class sat on the curb next to the bus and talked about their favorite thing about the bus artwork: The chime tower.

They took their turn climbing aboard the bus. Once seated, their voices rang out: “The wheels on the bus go round and round!”

As the children disembarked the bus, they gathered around Oswald for high fives. Their teacher asked, “Did everybody give Oswald a high five?”

As they walked back to their classroom, the children waved and shouted, “Bye, Oswald!”

Your assignment? Keep an eye out for the Clark College bus around town this summer. Post your photos with #clarkcollegebus.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Starting March 1, Clark College students will no longer have to pay for the C-TRAN bus pass called “BackPASS,” thanks to an interlocal agreement between C-TRAN and Clark College. 

“We are grateful to our partners at C-TRAN in our shared efforts to provide for students and improve accessibility,” said Dr. Karin Edwards, Clark College President. “Together we have removed one more barrier to help improve student retention and success.” 

The new benefit applies to all enrolled students. Students need to have their Clark College ID card in order to receive the bus pass sticker. Both can be obtained through the Clark College Bookstore.  

While many students are taking classes remotely and online during the pandemic, the bus pass allows them unlimited transportation on the C-TRAN’s local service area. “Many of our students rely on public transportation to get to and from work, home and school,” said Josiah Joner, Associated Students of Clark College President. “A bus pass is essential and now it’s available to everyone regardless of ability to pay.”