KCATA ‘Hope’ bus honored nationally

The KCATA collected top national honors last week for a specially wrapped pink bus signaling hope in the battle against breast cancer.

Our “Hope Bus,” designed by Creative Services Manager Bridget Herrick, won first place in the American Public Transportation Association’s annual AdWheel competition for best marketing and communications education effort.

Rolled out last fall at Union Station as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the bus with a pink ribbon and the word “Hope” emblazoned on both sides was part of an initiative highlighting the battle against breast cancer.

Hundreds attended the unveiling of the bus, including U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a breast-cancer survivor who emphasized the importance of early detection in the fight against cancer.

Our bus is spreading a similar message as it motors along some of our most popular routes across the metro area, encouraging men and women alike to take action against this terrible disease.

Herrick designed the bus in a way so it would emphasize the word, “Hope.”

“This word symbolizes breast cancer awareness, and though it’s short and to the point, it delivers a strong message that most can identify with,” Herrick said.

“Whether you have been affected or know someone who has, this bus recognizes and supports breast cancer awareness,” she said. “I think the color and simplistic design using the symbolic pink ribbon really stands out on the streets and I look forward to working on more projects like this in the future!”

Last October, the bus toured the region on the “Pink Ribbon Road Show,” showcasing the message of hope at five locations on both sides of the state line. The week-long tour culminated when the bus stopped at the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer run in downtown Kansas City.

Kansas City Mayor Sly James used the new bus to make a statement against cancer when he posed in front of the vehicle with community leaders shortly after it was introduced to the public.

The bus also made an appearance at a “pink out” at a local elementary school to celebrate a nurse’s victory over breast cancer. The bus, combined with a series of community events, reached thousands that might not have otherwise heard about the importance of early-detection in the fight against breast cancer.

Look for our “Hope” bus on a transit route near your neighborhood. Let it be a reminder that the time to take action against cancer is now.

Here is a glimpse of the 'Hope' bus interior