On June 6, CAMBUS drivers competed in a “bus roadeo”.  The annual bus roadeo is a friendly competition amongst Cambus student and full-time bus operators that tests their driving skills in a ten-part obstacle course.

The roadeo course is designed to simulate real-world challenges bus operators experience daily. Operators must navigate tight turns, dodge simulated obstacles, and complete backing exercises. Points are deducted for touching or knocking over cones or crossing obstacle boundaries.

A photo of all of the participants in the 2026 Cambus Roadeo

Competitors also receive scores based on safety habits, smooth driving, and time to complete the course. In the end, scores are tabulated and participants to get claim titles of best bus operators until next year’s competition. 

A total of 26 Cambus student employees participated in this year's event in hopes of advancing to the state bus roadeo to compete against bus operators from transit agencies across Iowa. Two individuals, Ella Andrle and Landon Trask, qualified to move on to the state competition, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 in Altoona, IA. 

Driver Place Winners

Support Place Winners

Driver place winners are the 2026 Cambus roadeo

Left to right: Teagan Goodney, Catie Plowman

1st place

Catie Plowman

2nd place

Teagan Goodney

3rd place

Daniel Bruce

A photo of the drivers who will compete at the state bus Roadeo in July.

Left to right: Landon Trask, Ella Andrle, Janessa Wilson

1st place

Ella Andrle

2nd place

Landon Trask

3rd place

Janessa Wilson

About CAMBUS 

CAMBUS is the university’s public transportation system that is primarily operated by up to 160 student employees. Students start as bus operators and can earn promotions to positions in dispatching, training, maintenance and supervision. The Cambus student teams are supported by five full-time bus operators and other full-time staff in maintenance, training, operations and administration. 

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.