These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the BereaRides mobile application and website (the “Service”). By creating an account or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
1. Eligibility
The Service is exclusively available to verified members of the Berea College community. To use BereaRides, you must:
- Possess a valid @berea.edu email address and complete OTP verification
- Be at least 18 years of age
- If driving: hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, maintain current auto insurance, and have access to a vehicle that meets safety standards
2. Account Responsibilities
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to:
- Provide accurate and current profile information
- Not share your account with others or allow unauthorized access
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
- Keep your profile photo current and clearly identifiable for safety purposes
3. The Service
BereaRides is a platform that connects riders with student drivers within the Berea College community. We facilitate the connection but are not a transportation provider. Key points:
- We do not employ drivers. Drivers are independent participants in the platform.
- We do not guarantee the availability of rides at any given time.
- Ride fares are calculated based on distance and displayed before confirmation. By confirming a ride, you agree to the displayed fare.
- We reserve the right to modify fare calculations, platform fees, or any aspect of the Service at any time with reasonable notice.
4. Rider Obligations
As a rider, you agree to:
- Be at your designated pickup location on time
- Treat drivers with respect and courtesy
- Wear a seatbelt at all times during the ride
- Not request rides for illegal purposes or transport prohibited items
- Pay the full fare for completed rides; chargebacks or fraudulent payment disputes may result in account suspension
- Provide honest and fair ratings after each ride
5. Driver Obligations
As a driver, you agree to:
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and adequate auto insurance at all times while using the platform
- Operate your vehicle safely and in compliance with all traffic laws
- Not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance
- Accept or decline ride requests promptly; do not accept rides you cannot fulfill
- Follow the designated route unless the rider requests a change
- Treat riders with respect and courtesy
- Keep your vehicle clean and in safe operating condition
6. Payments
All payments are processed through Stripe. By using the Service, you agree to Stripe’s terms of service.
- Riders are charged upon ride completion based on the fare displayed at booking
- Driver payouts are processed according to the payout schedule displayed in the app
- BereaRides may charge a platform fee on each transaction, which will be clearly disclosed
- Refund requests are handled on a case-by-case basis; contact us within 48 hours of a disputed ride
7. Ratings and Reviews
Both riders and drivers are rated after each ride. Ratings are used to maintain community trust and quality. Users with consistently low ratings may have their access to the Service limited or suspended. Ratings cannot be individually contested but patterns of unfair ratings may be reviewed upon request.
8. Safety and Conduct
BereaRides has a zero-tolerance policy for the following:
- Physical or verbal harassment, threats, or intimidation
- Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any protected characteristic
- Impaired driving or reckless vehicle operation
- Sharing or misusing another user’s personal information
- Any illegal activity conducted through the platform
Violations will result in immediate account suspension and may be reported to Berea College and/or law enforcement as appropriate.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, BereaRides shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Service. This includes but is not limited to damages resulting from accidents, injuries, lost items, delays, or service interruptions.
BereaRides is a technology platform, not a transportation company. We do not assume liability for the actions of riders or drivers. Your use of the Service is at your own risk.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BereaRides, its founders, team members, and affiliates from any claims, losses, or damages (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any law or third-party rights.
11. Account Suspension and Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms, safety concerns, or fraudulent activity. You may delete your account at any time through the app settings. Upon termination, any outstanding payment obligations remain enforceable.
12. Modifications to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the app or via email at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
13. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service shall be resolved in the courts of Madison County, Kentucky.
14. Contact
For questions about these Terms, contact us at jahatehs@berea.edu or shenderaz@berea.edu.