WHO ARE WE?
CollegeBus is a program of Open Access.net Inc, a 501(c)3 public charity, whose mission is to eliminate barriers to education. As part of that mission, it is our objective to provide no cost transportation to college students. CollegeBus originally started in 2022, when a freshman family, like many others, traveled to colleges to visit and apply, then for accepted students day, then for orientation, then move-in day and after all of this, her daughter was diagnosed with COVID on the second week of school. As a result, this family had to spend over FOURTEEN hours, for two round trips to the University, in just a few days, taking her back and forth from campus. Because of this, we wanted to find out if we could coordinate a charter bus to bring students to and from the University and Long Island, this way we could spend our valuable time with our daughter rather than in the car driving back and forth. The first trip, in October of 2022 was a huge success and as a result we have continued to provide these rides.
After speaking with students at the University, they told us that some of their friends couch surfed during the breaks because they didn't have a way home. We are hopeful this effort will alleviate some stress for families giving their children a safe way to get to and from campus.
FAQ's
How do I check in?
Both the parent and student will receive a text message confirming your trip after you reserve your ticket. Please show your college ID, if requested, when checking in for the bus.
How can I sponsor / donate a ticket
Are there assigned seats?
No, Seats are provided on a first come, first served basis.
Will the bus leave without me?
The bus will leave promptly at the scheduled time. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to check in and get your seat on the bus.
Can I bring a bag with me?
Yes, all students may bring a bag under 40 lbs along with a small carry-on tote or backpack onboard. Please remember that the student will have to carry the bag back to/from their dorm room. Please make sure to attach your name or something distinctive on your bag.
Can a non student take the bus?
Buses are reserved for student use only. All Students will will need to show their college identification in order to board the bus.
Can I return / transfer my ticket
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Are you a for profit business?
No, CollegeBus is a project of Open Access, a 501(c)3 public charity. Our objective is to provide safe, secure, student-only transportation for those in need. We save parents from having to make the trip back and forth and so that families can spend more time with their student during the breaks rather than driving them to and from Campus. All of the monies collected have been used to further this objective with any excess being provided to students who demonstrate need.
What is the donation money used for?
With the support of Open Access, a fund was established to provide scholarships to students in need. We learned that a number of students were unable to go home on breaks because their family didn't have the time or means to bring them home. If you know of a student who can't go home during a break or a family that is in need of assistance please email us at [email protected] so that we may provide them with assistance. To make a donation scroll down below.
What happens if you don't sell enough tickets?
We are hopeful that we will sell enough seats to cover the costs associated with the buses. In the event that a specific bus route fills up , we will add additional buses. We will do everything within our power to ensure that bus routes that we commit to performing are run as planned. In the unlikely event that we cannot cover the costs of the bus, the parent and student will be notified 72 hours before that the bus will not be running and that any tickets may be applied to a future trip.
Who will my charge come from?
You will see a credit card charge from College Bus, CB or Open Access depending on the credit card processor. Open Access is the non profit project that College Bus is part of.