‘I work with some of the most dedicated staff members in the industry’
Justin VanLeeuwen
DIRECTOR, CAMPUS BUS
As director of Campus Bus Service, Justin works with partners on and off the IU campus to ensure safe, convenient, fare-free bus transportation for full-time faculty, staff, and students.
Campus Bus started the 2024-2025 IU academic with a bang. A brand-new bus tracking software, launched in Fall 2024, shows riders where their bus is in real time, similar to Uber or Lyft rides.
In August 2024, Campus Bus was accepted into the Clean Bus Planning Award Program, which will help the campus understand how to reach decarbonization goals outlined in the IU Climate Action Plan.
“Our department's efforts intersect with nearly every area of campus, and we are an integral part of student life,” Justin said. And the department's collective efforts provide nearly 2 million passenger trips annually.
Q:What initially led you to Indiana University, and what has inspired you to stay?
A: I began my journey at IU working as a part-time bus operator in 2017. I was eventually selected as an operations supervisor, which gave the me the opportunity to work closely with department staff. After a period as assistant director, I moved into my current director role in June 2022. Through it all, I have continued to learn more about the transportation industry and the professional growth opportunities IU has to offer. Even outside of work, I always preferred driving a bus to a car, for some reason. I used to drive for Richland-Bean Blossom School Corp.
Through new software (launched fall 2024) riders can track buses in real time.
Q: What do you want people to know about your work that they may not know?
A: I work with some of the most dedicated staff members in the industry! They consistently go above and beyond for our community, often without being asked. Our team's combined efforts provide the campus community with nearly 2 million passenger trips annually.
Recently, IU was accepted into the Clean Bus Planning Award program, managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (and funded by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation). The program connects selected operations with tech experts in lower-emission bus technologies—electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles—who can support our gradual transition to these vehicles in a way that best serves our student body and supports our IU Climate Action Plan goals. I am grateful to Jessica Davis, IU's Chief Sustainability Officer, for identifying this opportunity, and to Jessica and Amanda Wilson, our IU Fleet Manager, for helping put together a compelling case for IU Bloomington's involvement in this.
Q:Any current projects to share?
A: As of Fall 2024, our buses are now equipped with a new, real-time bus tracking software, ETA Spot (available through IU Mobile or the ETA Spot app; select IU Bloomington). Our return passengers are already way happier. IU buses are now equipped with onboard announcements, automatic passenger counting, and real time data on our vehicles. As much as possible, we need to evolve and update to keep up with customer expectations, whether that's being able to track a bus like we can track a ride service or seeking out programs that will lessen our carbon footprint and make us better citizens of the world.
Q: How does this work intersect with other parts of campus?
A: We provide transportation services to campus and connect students to classes, food venues, their residences … Our department's efforts intersect with nearly every area of campus, and we are an integral part of student life. We are also part of the faculty staff experience: all full-time staff, faculty, and students can ride our busses fare-free.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with my three dogs, especially when the weather is nice, and we can be outside. While I'm outside, I take the time to work in the yard. I enjoy planting a large garden in the summer months, and making sure the yard is festive in the winter!
Q: What advice do you give people who want to do what you do professionally?
A: Network! Find other professionals in the transportation field and ask questions about the industry. There are many different transportation sectors and careers, so finding out more information about all of them will help you immensely in the long run.
