Students both figuratively and literally have been the driving force for CAMBUS for 45 years. The 1971 University of Iowa Student Government introduced the idea for a transit service connecting the east and west campuses, and the service has been student operated since the beginning. Through additional support from the Associated Residence Halls and former UI President Willard “Sandy” Boyd, CAMBUS was on the road to becoming a staple of the campus.

Current CAMBUS employees were provided commemorative mugs and a pizza day in recognition of their contribution to the CAMBUS legacy. Of course most college students enjoy pizza, but this was a specific choice. The service began in 1972 with just six-bus and was nameless. Thanks to a contest for a free pizza CAMBUS was selected.

As a final thank you to all employees past and present, an advertisement was published in the Daily Iowan newspaper with a throwback photo. The advertisement can be seen via our UI CAMBUS Facebook page.

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. 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 https://transportation.uiowa.edu/ or call (319) 335-8633.