University of Iowa’s CAMBUS recognizes Bella Newell as the 2026 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.
Newell is an undergraduate student who is double majoring in psychology and Counseling and Behavioral Health Services. She joined the Cambus bus operator team in February 2024. In 2025, she completed additional training to be a paratransit bus operator.
In selecting Newell, the Cambus supervisor and management team noted her excellent safety record, reliability and kindness. Her willingness to work a variety of shifts, as early as 4 a.m. or late as 9 p.m., demonstrates her commitment to teamwork and delivering dependable transit services.
In her nomination for Driver of the Year, one supervisor noted, “ Bella is someone that I never have to worry about showing up. She is always here with a positive attitude. She continuously shows that she is dedicated to quality service and providing a great experience for our riders”.
Newell says she enjoys her early morning shifts the most, especially the 4 a.m. Hospital-Finkbine/Arena shift. “I've gotten to know many of the regular passengers by name,” Newell says, “and catch the sunrise, and that's a great way to start the day."
Newell will be recognized at the Iowa Public Transit Association’s driver award dinner on June 20 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:
- Nicole Olson
- Elliott Croatt
Bella is someone that I never have to worry about showing up. She is always here with a positive attitude.
- Driver of the Year nomination
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.