Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using RydLnk, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use our service.

2. Description of Service

RydLnk is a schedule-optimized ridesharing platform that matches commuters with compatible routes and schedules. We are a technology platform that facilitates connections between riders and drivers. We do not provide transportation services directly. Drivers using RydLnk are independent contractors, not employees of RydLnk.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use RydLnk. By creating an account, you confirm that you are 18 or older. Drivers must additionally hold a valid driver's license, maintain valid vehicle insurance, and pass a background check (administered through our partner Checkr).

4. User Accounts

You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account, including your real name, phone number, and email address. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and for all activities that occur under it. You may not create multiple accounts or share your account credentials. RydLnk reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

5. Rider Terms

• Riders use RydLnk to find and join shared rides with drivers traveling compatible routes.
• By joining a ride, you commit to being at your pickup location at the scheduled time.
• Ride prices are calculated based on distance, duration, and the number of riders sharing the ride. Prices can only decrease as more riders join (price lock guarantee).
• A valid payment method must be on file before confirming rides for the week.
• Riders are expected to treat drivers and other riders with respect and follow all safety guidelines.

6. Driver Terms

• Drivers must be approved by RydLnk before offering rides. Approval requires a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a clear background check.
• Drivers are independent contractors and are not employees, agents, or representatives of RydLnk.
• Drivers must maintain valid insurance coverage for their vehicle at all times while offering rides.
• Drivers are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and ensuring the safety of their passengers.
• Drivers must keep their vehicle clean, safe, and in good working condition.
• Drivers receive 75% of net ride fares (after payment processing fees), paid weekly via Stripe Connect to their connected bank account.
• RydLnk may deactivate drivers who receive consistently poor ratings, violate these terms, or fail to maintain eligibility requirements.

7. User Conduct

All users agree to:

• Treat all users with respect and courtesy
• Arrive on time for scheduled pickups
• Not engage in illegal, harmful, discriminatory, or harassing behavior
• Not use the platform for any purpose other than ridesharing
• Not misrepresent your identity or provide false information
• Follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws
• Not use the messaging system for spam, solicitation, or inappropriate content

Violations of these guidelines may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent account termination at RydLnk's discretion.

8. Payments & Billing

Riders:

• Rides are billed weekly. Payment is charged when you confirm your rides for the upcoming week.
• All payments are processed securely through Stripe. RydLnk does not store your credit card information.
• If a ride is cancelled due to no driver being available, you will receive a full credit to your RydLnk balance.
• Credits can be applied to future rides but are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Drivers:

• Drivers receive 75% of net ride fares (after Stripe processing fees), paid weekly to their Stripe Connect account.
• Payouts are processed automatically after ride completion and billing finalization.
• Drivers are responsible for reporting their RydLnk earnings for tax purposes. RydLnk will provide tax documentation as required by law.

9. Cancellations & Refunds

• You may leave a ride before the weekly billing confirmation without charge.
• After billing confirmation, cancellations result in a credit to your RydLnk balance rather than a cash refund.
• If a ride is cancelled because no driver is available, riders receive a full credit plus a one-time $5.00 courtesy credit.
• Repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations may result in account restrictions.

10. Ratings & Reviews

After completed rides, riders and drivers may rate each other. Ratings are used to maintain community quality and safety. Users with consistently low ratings may have their accounts reviewed or suspended. Ratings are anonymous and cannot be contested except in cases of clear abuse.

11. Messaging

RydLnk provides in-app messaging between matched riders and drivers for ride coordination. Messages are stored on our servers for dispute resolution purposes. Do not share personal contact information, financial details, or inappropriate content through the messaging system. RydLnk reserves the right to review messages in response to reported violations.

12. Location Services

RydLnk uses location data to create routes, match riders with drivers, and provide real-time ride tracking. For drivers, background location is collected only during active rides and stops when the ride is completed. You can revoke location permissions at any time through your device settings, but this may limit app functionality. See our Privacy Policy for full details on location data handling.

13. Safety

RydLnk conducts background checks on all drivers through Checkr, including criminal history and motor vehicle records. However, RydLnk cannot guarantee the conduct of any user. You use the service at your own risk.

If you experience unsafe behavior, please report it immediately through the in-app support system or by contacting support@rydlnk.com. RydLnk takes all safety reports seriously and will investigate promptly.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RydLnk and its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the service, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, lost profits, or data loss. RydLnk's total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid to RydLnk in the 12 months preceding the claim. RydLnk is a technology platform and is not responsible for the actions of drivers or riders.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RydLnk, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from your use of the service, your violation of these terms, or your violation of any rights of another person.

16. Intellectual Property

The RydLnk name, logo, app, website, and all related content are the intellectual property of RydLnk. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any RydLnk materials without prior written consent. Your use of the platform does not grant you any ownership rights.

17. Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the app's profile settings. RydLnk may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these terms, safety concerns, or inactivity. Upon termination, your right to use the service ceases immediately. Outstanding payment obligations survive termination.

18. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of RydLnk shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Utah County, Utah, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You agree to waive your right to a jury trial and to participate in class action lawsuits. This does not prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief in court for urgent matters.

19. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the app, by email, or by posting a notice on our website. Your continued use of RydLnk after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree to the updated terms, you must stop using the service.

20. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at legal@rydlnk.com.