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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026  ·  Last Updated: April 2026

aTownRides ("ATR", "we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your personal information when you use our ride-sharing platform.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an aTownRides account, we collect your name, email address, phone number (optional), and profile photo (optional). We use Firebase Authentication to securely manage your credentials — we never store your raw password.

Location Data

To provide ride-matching services, we collect pickup and dropoff locations you enter when creating a ride request. We do not continuously track your location in the background without your knowledge.

Device & Usage Data

We collect device identifiers (FCM tokens) to deliver push notifications. We may collect app usage analytics (via Firebase Analytics) to improve the platform.

Driver Application Data

If you apply to become a driver, we collect information submitted as part of your application, which may be reviewed by our administrative team.

2. How We Use Your Information

Core Service

We use your information to match riders with drivers, facilitate ride requests and orders, send ride-related notifications, and manage your account.

Communications

We send service-critical communications such as account verification emails, ride status updates, and driver application status notifications. You may receive operational push notifications related to your active rides.

Safety & Trust

We use account and activity data to verify drivers, detect misuse, and enforce our Terms of Service.

Platform Improvement

Aggregated, anonymized usage data helps us understand how the platform is used and where improvements are needed.

3. Data Sharing

Between Riders and Drivers

When a ride is matched, both rider and driver receive each other's name and contact information necessary to complete the ride (e.g., phone number for coordination).

Service Providers

We use Google Firebase (Firestore, Authentication, Cloud Messaging, Analytics) as our backend infrastructure. Firebase is governed by Google's privacy policies. We do not sell your data to third parties.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our users.

4. Data Retention

Active Accounts

Your data is retained for as long as your account is active and needed to provide services.

Account Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us. Certain data may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., completed order records).

5. Security

Technical Safeguards

We use Firebase's security infrastructure including Firestore security rules, Firebase Authentication, and HTTPS for all data in transit. Access to user data is restricted to authorized administrators.

Your Responsibility

Keep your login credentials secure. Do not share your account with others. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.

6. Children's Privacy

Age Requirement

aTownRides is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

7. Your Rights

Access & Correction

You may access and update your account information directly within the aTownRides app at any time.

Data Portability & Deletion

You may request a copy of your personal data or request deletion by contacting us at the information below.

Opt-Out

You may opt out of non-essential push notifications through your device settings. Note that disabling all notifications may impact your ability to use certain features.

8. Changes to This Policy

Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify users of material changes through the app or via email. Continued use of the platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Us

Privacy Inquiries

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us through the aTownRides app or reach out to our support team.