FAQ's
Q - WHAT IS CATCH-A-RIDE?
A - Catch A Ride, Inc. is express bus service which offers safe, efficient, convenient, economical from Indiana University to Merrillville, IN, Northbrook, IL, and Oakbrook, IL
Q - WHEN WILL CATCH-A-RIDE OFFER BUS SERVICE?
A - We will be offering express bus transportation on key holidays, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Semester Break and Spring Break.
Q - WHO DRIVES THE BUS?
A - Catch A Ride Inc. uses a fully insured, safe and reliable motor coach service.
Q - HOW DO I MAKE RESERVATIONS?
A - Go to the schedule page, click on the date of your trip and follow the on-line instructions. Our secure website will verify your credit card information and your confirmation will be sent to you by e-mail.
Q - HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKET?
A - When you make your reservation you will receive an e-mail confirmation/receipt. Your name will be added your buses' check in list. IU school ID will be required to board the bus and a Catch-A-Ride representative will check you in.
Q - HOW CAN I CONTACT CATCH-A-RIDE?
A - Call (847) 498-8969 to speak with a customer service representative or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Q - CAN I RESERVE A SEAT?
A - Your seat is reserved when you purchase a ticket.
Q - WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY RESERVATIONS?
A - Refunds are not provided. Ride credit only. Tickets are not transferrable to other students. Reservations may be cancelled up to end of business day 14 days prior to the departure date with the ticket holder receiving a one-time ride credit good towards a future Catch-A-Ride bus trip that must be used within the school year purchased. Once one-time ride credit is applied to a specific trip, there are no exchanges, transfers to other trips. After 14 days, to transfer a ticket within the same trip and location, a fee of $45 plus the difference in ticket price, if applicable. Upon availability. Tickets cannot be transferred or exchanged one week prior to departure date. Tickets purchased after 14 day policy period will not qualify for credits, exchanges, or transfers. If ride credit is not available, ticket purchased is final sale. Cancellation credits must be used by the end of the school year in which they were issued and are non-transferrable or redeemable for cash. All ride credits remaining unredeemed by the end of the school year in which they were issued, will be considered void and forfeited.
Q - What if I test positive for COVID 19? Will I get a refund for my ticket?
A – To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, travel is prohibited. A positive test result must be provided. A ride credit will be issued which must be used within the school year issued.
Q - Do I have to wear a mask on the bus?
A - Catch A Ride will follow the CDC guidelines for travel.
Q - Is Catch A Ride's name on the bus(es)?
A - No. The name on the bus(es) is Windy City Limousine.
Q - WILL THE BUS ARRIVE AS SCHEDULED?
A - As we try our hardest to arrive as posted times, arrival times may vary due to scheduling and/or traffic.
Q - DOES THE BUS STOP AT OTHER LOCATIONS OR DOES IT GO DIRECT TO DESIGNATED STOP?
A - The bus will periodically stop at other locations or go direct. It depends amount of passengers per location and scheduling. Direct is not guaranteed and is first come, first serve basis.
Q - WHAT TIME DO I HAVE TO ARRIVE AT PICK-UP LOCATION?
A - Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure. This way you can be checked in, your luggage loaded and you will be able to choose your seat. The bus will leave promptly at the departure time and will be unable to wait for late arrivals.
Q - WHERE IS THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY?
A - There are two convenient locations on campus. E. 10th Street and N. Sunrise Dr (Near Ashton Center) and Willkie Quadrangle (middle building), Rose St.
Q - WHERE IS THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF IN OAKBROOK?
A - Fifth Third Bank - 1400 16th St. - Rear Parking Lot – North East Corner
Q - WHERE IS THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF IN MERRILLVILLE
A - Old Time Pottery - 8225 Broadway
Q - WHERE IS THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF IN NORTHBROOK?
A - Northbrook Court, Neiman Marcus - Lower Level - East Side - Outer Parking Lot
Q - IS THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?
A - Yes. There is the PACE bus. They can be contacted at 847-364-7223 or at tripsweb.rtachicago.com
Q - HOW LONG WILL THE TRIP TAKE?
A - The express trip takes approximately 3 ½ hours to 6 hours depending where you load the bus. Traffic, weather, road construction and mechanical failure can effect travel time.
Q - DOES THE BUS HAVE A RESTROOM?
A - 56 passenger buses are equipped with restrooms. In the event a smaller bus is provided due to low ridership, a restroom will not be on the bus.
Q - HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
A - One piece for underneath bus measuring 28 X 18.5 X 11.5. One backpack for inside the bus.
Q - CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL, SMOKE OR VAPE ON THE BUS?
A - Absolutely not! There is a zero tolerance rule - if you are caught drinking or smoking - the authorities will be notified.
Q - WILL MY INFORMATION BE GIVEN TO OTHER COMPANIES?
A - All information you submit will remain private and secure.
Q - WILL THE BUS WAIT AT DROP OFF LOCATION FOR PASSENGERS TO BE PICKED-UP?
A - The passenger should contact a responsible party and give an estimate time of arrival. Catch-A-Ride will not be able to wait for passengers to be picked-up at drop off location.
Q - IS CATCH-A-RIDE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED LUGGAGE?
A - If something is forgotten on the bus, please contact Catch-A-Ride as soon as possible (847) 498-8969. Catch-A-Ride will to try to retrieve the lost luggage. Catch-A-Ride is not responsible for lost or damaged luggage.
Q - CAN I GET OFF THE BUS IF THERE IS A SCHEDULED OR UNSCHEDULED STOP?
A - Due to safety restrictions, students are required to stay on the bus.
Q - CAN I BRING AN ANIMAL ON THE BUS?
A - No. Some passengers may be allergic or have other issues with live animals in the passenger area and our luggage bays cannot safely house an animal. Service animals for impaired passengers are always welcome.
Q- CAN A SCHEDULED BUS BE CANCELLED?
A - Catch A Ride reserves the right to cancel any scheduled trip if a minimum of seats are not sold, weather or a catastrophic event. If the bus is rescheduled due to weather, the ticket can be transferred to the new date scheduled. No refunds or credits. If the ticket is cancelled due to a catastrophic event, a ride credit will be issued. If the cancellations occurs due to the lack of riders, a full refund will be issued.