Alternative commute options
Sustainable Travel and Transportation
Discover flexible, affordable, and eco-friendly ways to reach campus. WSU Vancouver supports a variety of alternative commute options designed to reduce your environmental footprint, save money, and simplify your daily travel. Whether you prefer the convenience of public transit, the health benefits of cycling, or the shared costs of carpooling, our campus resources help you find the right fit for your schedule and lifestyle.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and student success, WSU Vancouver provides specialized perks for those who choose alternatives to driving alone. Explore local transit partnerships, secure bike storage, and commuter benefits that make getting to campus easier than ever. Use the resources below to plan your route and take advantage of everything from free bus passes to reserved parking for shared rides.
Public Transportation
Public transit is one of the most efficient ways to reach WSU Vancouver. Multiple agencies serve the campus and surrounding regions:
- C-TRAN: Route #19 Salmon Creek provides direct service to campus. Check C-TRAN for current schedules.
- Lower Columbia CAP: Offers Rural Transportation service between Longview and Vancouver.
- TriMet: Provides regional service throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Visit TriMet for trip planning.
C-TRAN Education Opportunity Pass
Students can ride C-TRAN for free in Clark County. This pass includes:
- Unlimited Local Travel: Valid on all C-TRAN local routes, including Route 19.
- The Current: Access to C-TRAN’s on-demand rideshare service is included at no cost with the pass. The pickup and drop-off stop is located directly in front of the Student Services Center.
- Eligibility: Request your pass at the Cougar Center. You can connect with them via email at van.cougarcenter@wsu.edu, call 360-546-9788, or visit the Cougar Center webpage. Faculty and staff are not eligible for the free pass but may purchase discounted transit passes.
Bicycling and Walking
WSU Vancouver encourages active transportation by providing infrastructure for those who bike or walk to campus. Facilities include:
- Secure Storage: Covered bicycle racks are located outside the Library building and Firstenburg Student Commons.
- Amenities: Clothes lockers and shower facilities are available in the Fitness Center.
Carpool and Vanpool
Sharing a ride reduces campus traffic and lowers individual fuel costs. WSU Vancouver offers specific incentives for shared commutes:
- Carpool Permits: Register a carpool of two or more people with Parking Services to receive a permit valid for reserved spaces.
- Daily Flexibility: Carpool permit holders receive a set of daily permits to use on occasions when driving alone is necessary.
- Emergency Ride Home: Employees in registered carpools are eligible for emergency vouchers to ensure they are never stranded.
- Find a Ride: Use Get There SW Washington to connect with commuters in your area.
Access or Update your Parking Profile
Starting fall 2025, your vehicle license plate will serve as your parking permit. Maximum of two license plates per permit, and only one vehicle is allowed on campus at any given time.
Contact Us
Fall Semester Hours
- Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Besides parking maintenance and traffic management, parking fees pay for extra security patrol, AED maintenance, area lighting, door unlocks and jump starts, flag replacement, lost and found, and more.