Fairbanks City Bus Relocation: A New Chapter Begins
The 1940s Fairbanks city bus, famously known from the 1996 book and the subsequent 2007 movie, was removed in June by helicopter from the wilderness. The bus became a landmark for outdoor adventurers, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes. Hence, the Alaska Army National Guard intervened, relocating it from its long-standing resting place on the Stampede Trail, located 25 miles west of Healy.
While its future appeared uncertain initially, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has since announced that it is considering a new home for Bus 142.
According to DNR’s statement, the historic vehicle is likely to find its next home at the in . It is hoped that by placing Bus 142 on public display, this historical and cultural artifact will be preserved safely, allowing the public to experience it without the risks and commercial exploitation previously associated.
DNR Commissioner Corri Feige remarked, “It can honor all of the lives and dreams, as well as the deaths and sorrows associated with the bus, and do so with respect and dignity.”
Originally, the bus served the Yutan Construction Co., housing employees during the construction of a pioneer access road between Lignite and Stampede. It was ultimately abandoned in 1961 following the road’s completion. The bus became infamous when 24-year-old adventurer Christopher McCandless sought shelter there in 1992 and tragically died of starvation after 114 days. His experience inspired Jon Krakauer’s book, “Into The Wild,” and the film directed by Sean Penn.
The story of McCandless captivated many, prompting numerous travelers to trace his route to the bus. Regrettably, several adventurers faced perilous situations, leading to casualties and injuries, or requiring rescue operations in severe conditions, particularly while navigating the swollen Teklanika and Savage rivers. Consequently, the decision was made to relocate the bus for safety reasons, executed by the Alaska DNR and Army National Guard using a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
This article was first published on June 23rd and updated on August 6th, 2020.
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