The Transportation Department provides charter bus service to staff and faculty for university-related events and trips. This service is available to all Rice departments. Due to the increased demand for this service, it is recommended that requests be sent to the Transportation Department at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability. Service availability is often limited since our first commitment is to provide service on campus. Service is provided on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

Requests are accepted based on the initial submission, and further changes may not be accommodated because of the obligations of other departments. The large buses carry 30 to 31 passengers. The vans carry 14-17 passengers. We prefer to use the large buses for our charter services.

Bus Charters Requirements

• Buses are available for charter at $95 per hour per bus/hour to all departments for university-related activities.
  • Rate are charged from the time the vehicle departs the transportation office for pick-up until the time the vehicle returns from drop-off.
• All charter requests must be submitted online using the web form. Please complete this form in its entirety and follow up your online submission by calling ext. 5223 or 5996.
• It is important that you send your reservations ONLY when the dates, times, and locations are confirmed.
• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, last-minute changes will be difficult to approve.
• If there are several dates but the times are the same, for example, May 4 through May 8, please fill out one form for the morning and another for the afternoon pickup. Please state it clearly on the form if it is for different times.
• Any change is extremely difficult when the charter request is finalized due to other approved requests. If changes are made at the last minute and must be made, an extra fee will be charged.
• For efficiency in service, please designate ONLY one representative to communicate with the Transportation Department to plan and monitor the charter request.
• A week's notice is required to get the permit. There will be a two-hour minimum on all airport charter requests.
• Final charter fees will be charged electronically through iO (the accounts provided on the charter form in iO).
• The department’s "Miscellaneous Account" will be charged if an invalid account is provided on the form.
• Please check the iO accounts on the request form to verify charges and print records. No additional IDTs or invoices will be sent to departments for the weekend.
• For Saturday charter requests, there is a two-hour minimum service requirement.
• For Sunday charter requests, there is a four-hour minimum service requirement.
• Inform the Transportation Office of charter request cancellation ahead of time.
• If young persons or children are on the Rice buses, please ask for permission from the Risk Management Department (ext. 5082) beforehand.

Questions can be directed to the Transportation Department at 713-348-5223 or 713-348-5996.