FAQ's
Q - WHAT TYPE OF BUS SERVICE DOES CATCH-A-RIDE PROVIDE?
A - Catch A Ride, Inc. is an express bus service developed exclusively to provide transportation to Ball State University students who reside in the Chicagoland and Merrillville areas. It offers convenient service from the university to centralized, secure drop-off points within each community and limits ridership to university students.
Q - WHEN DO BUSES RUN?
A - Buses are scheduled to run over Holidays, Semester Breaks and Fall Break.
Q - WHO DRIVES THE BUS?
A - Catch A Ride Inc. uses a fully insured, safe and reliable motor coach service for all transportation.
Q - HOW DO I MAKE RESERVATIONS?
A - Go to www.ballstate.catcharide.com and click on the “schedule” tab to view departure dates and purchase tickets. Follow the simple online instructions provided and use a credit card to complete your purchase. Our secure website will verify your credit card information and provide a confirmation of your ticket purchase via return email.
Q - HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKET?
A - Your email purchase confirmation will serve as your boarding ticket and your name will be added to your buses’ check-in list. BSU school ID will be required for boarding and a Catch-A-Ride representative will be on hand to 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 credits only. Tickets are not transferrable between students. Reservations may be cancelled 14 days prior to departure date with the ticket holder receiving a one-time ride credit good towards a future Catch-A-Ride bus trip. Once ride credit is applied, there are no exchanges, transfer or credits. Tickets purchased after 14 day policy period will not qualify for credits, exchanges or transfers. After 14 days, to transfer a ticket within the same trip and location, a fee of $40 plus the difference in ticket price,if applicable. Upon availability. Spring Break tickets final sale. Cancellation credits must be used by end of school year in which they were issued and are non-transferrable or redeemable for cash. All ride credits remaining unredeemed by end of 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 and must be used within the school year it was issued.
Q - Do I have to wear a mask on the bus?
A - Catch A Ride will follow the CDC guidelines for transportation.
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 the posted departure for check-in, seat selection and luggage handling. All buses leave promptly at their posted departure times and will not be able to wait for late arrivals.
Q - WHERE ARE THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF LOCATION FOR BUSES?
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY: North Bus Shelter - Parking Lot C1 - Adjacent to Shelter - Across from North Hall
OAK BROOK, IL - Fifth Third Bank - 1400 16th St. - Rear Parking Lot – North East Corner
MERRILLVILLE, IN: Old Time Pottery - 8225 Broadway
Q - APPROXIMATELY HOW LONG WILL MY TRIP TAKE?
A - The express trip takes approximately 3 to 4 ½ hours depending on destination. 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 required due to low ridership, a restroom will not be on the bus.
Q - HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
A - One piece of luggage for underneath bus storage 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 or due to weather. If the bus is rescheduled due to weather, a refund or credit does not apply. If a cancellation occurs due to the lack of riders, a full refund will be issued.