University of Iowa’s CAMBUS recognizes Alex Jacobs as the 2025 Driver of the Year. Transit service providers across Iowa each nominate an employee annually to be honored by the Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) for their commitment to providing safe and friendly service.
Jacobs is from Des Moines, Iowa and graduated in May 2025 with a degree in computer science and a minor in German. He started working as a bus operator in Dec. 2023. In selecting Jacobs, the Cambus supervisor and management team noted Jacobs' consistency, reliability, and commitment to rider safety. His team-oriented, upbeat attitude contributed to a positive work environment.
“I was shocked to hear I won the award! I just tried to do my best to keep riders safe,” Jacobs says.
Jacobs says his time behind the wheel has helped him build community and relieve academic stress. As a student driver, he enjoys having both team and independent responsibilities. “It's the best job on campus, and it's just cool to say you drive the bus,” he says.
“It's the best job on campus, and it's just cool to say you drive the bus.”
-Alex Jacobs, driver
As a student studying computer science, Jacobs says the change of pace and environment Cambus provided helped him enjoy campus scenery. He explains how after some time putting on music and focusing solely on driving helped relieve stress after classes. “I learned to see my shifts driving as a break from school,” Jacobs says, “ I physically could not do any schoolwork, so it forced me to have time away from academic stress.” He notes that despite not driving together the community within Cambus is one he won't forget.
After driving a few routes and gaining a better understanding of the services, many student drivers find a particular route they enjoy driving. Besides his regular shifts, Jacobs most enjoys driving the Hawkeye-Pentacrest route. “In the evenings, you get to see the sunsets and some nature out by the Hawklot,” Jacobs notes.
Jacobs will be recognized at the Iowa Public Transit Association’s driver award dinner on July 18 in Iowa City, alongside the Driver of the Year recipients from transit agencies across Iowa.
Honorable Mentions
The selection committee also recognized the following drivers as honorable mentions for Driver of the Year:
- Haylee Ham
- Jake Schumacher
About the Driver of the Year award
The Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) recognizes a driver from each Iowa public transit agency annually for their service to local communities. IPTA sets minimum criteria drivers must meet to be eligible for the award. Each public transit agency then uses their own process to select a driver to be honored.
Criteria for award eligibility includes work record, attendance, and safety record. The Cambus management and student supervisor team evaluate the list of eligible candidates to select an overall award winner. The Cambus team looks at factors such as previous recognitions received throughout the year, feedback from other staff, and their contributions to creating an inclusive and positive workplace experience.
About CAMBUS
Cambus is the University of Iowa’s student operated, no fare public transit system that provides fixed-route service throughout campus and demand-response paratransit services for qualifying persons. On average, 160 student-employees operate transit services across the university campus. Their responsibilities begin with driving but can grow to include training, dispatching, assisting with maintenance, and supervising.
Cambus works in collaboration with other Parking and Transportation Department units to provide and support access and mobility for students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. For more information about our services visit the CAMBUS page or call 319-335-8633.