A Kankakee, Illinois cheerleading team’s dream trip to a Florida competition turned into a nightmare when Samuel Bus Service, a Dolton-based charter company, left them stranded after receiving over $10,000 in payment. The Kankakee Elite Cheer team’s experience highlights the importance of verifying transportation providers before committing to their services.
Kankakee Elite Cheerleaders’ Trip to Florida Turns Sour
The Kankakee Elite Cheer team, after extensive fundraising efforts, contracted Samuel Bus Service for transportation to a national competition in Tampa, Florida. The team paid over $10,000 for the service, using a combination of check, Zelle, and cash payments. However, the promised bus never arrived, leaving the cheerleaders stranded.
Samuel Bus Service Fails to Deliver, Leaving Cheerleaders Sleeping on School Floor
The team was initially told the bus driver had a serious illness. Subsequent communication from Samuel Parks, the owner of Samuel Bus Service, claimed a replacement driver was found but the bus had mechanical issues. He then reported the other driver had passed away from a heart attack and promised to find another bus company. These claims proved to be false, leaving the cheerleaders to sleep on the floor of a Kankakee Middle School gym.
Broken Promises and Unanswered Calls from Samuel Bus Service Owner
Samuel Parks provided phone numbers for a replacement bus, but they were disconnected. Despite numerous attempts by the team’s leadership, Parks remained unresponsive, ignoring calls and leaving the cheerleaders without transportation.
Investigation Reveals Samuel Bus Service’s Troubled Past
A CBS News Chicago investigation uncovered that Samuel Bus Service’s operating authority had been revoked by the U.S. Department of Transportation in January 2024 due to a canceled insurance policy. The company’s Illinois business license was also invalid as of 2023. This information revealed a pattern of questionable business practices by Samuel Bus Service and its owner, Samuel Parks.
Community Rallies to Support Stranded Cheerleaders
Despite the setback, the Kankakee Elite Cheerleaders eventually made it to Florida thanks to the generosity of another bus company and a successful GoFundMe campaign that raised over $13,000 in just a few days. The community rallied behind the team, ensuring they wouldn’t miss their chance to compete.
Samuel Bus Service and Samuel Parks Remain Unreachable
Attempts by CBS News Chicago to contact Samuel Parks for comment were unsuccessful. The cheer team plans to report the incident to the authorities. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for anyone booking transportation services, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly vetting providers to avoid similar situations.
