Locally-based bus company, Suburban Express will no longer sell tickets to passengers with a Highland Park zip code, according to a message on its website.

On Sept. 5, Scott Greene, freshman in FAA, attempted to purchase a bus ticket to and from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago using Suburban Express. Greene said after typing in his information, he expected to see a review of his order, but instead saw this message:

“Suburban Express chooses not to transact business in zip code 60035 due to what we believe are unacceptable risks associated with conducting business in that jurisdiction. Please find another transportation provider.”

Greene said he was frustrated that he couldn’t use coupons for the service because of where he lived.

“It makes sense to protect your interests as a company and not want to risk negative effects on your business, but to discriminate based on location due to one customer’s issues with the company is downright absurd,” he said via e-mail correspondence.

Jeremy Leval, a University alumnus, is defending an ongoing lawsuit filed by Suburban Express. He is also from Highland Park. Leval’s case, which was first filed in Ford County, was re-filed in Cook County this summer. In total, the lawsuit has been in progress for over a year.

Alain Leval, Jeremy Leval’s lawyer and father, said he met in court on Sept. 8, where he motioned for a new judge and venue. Alain said he does not expect the case to move forward in the near future.

“We are sued improperly,” Alain said. “I will defend my client. I will pursue counter claims for him for however long it takes for justice to incur.”

There are ten others currently defending ongoing lawsuits filed by Suburban Express in Cook County, and two are defending lawsuits in Lake County, according to circuit clerk records.

George Bellas, attorney representing Suburban Express, could not be reached for comment.

Corinne can be reached [email protected].