Terms and Conditions

The Ride Splits Platform

The Platform functions as a technology-based marketplace that connects individuals seeking transportation services ("Riders") with independent third-party individuals offering transportation ("Drivers") who are traveling in a similar direction. Ride Splits solely facilitates these connections through its digital application and is not itself a transportation carrier, common carrier, or provider of ride services.

Drivers who utilize the Platform do so as independent contractors or third-party providers and are not employees, agents, or representatives of Ride Splits. Ride Splits does not control or direct the manner in which Drivers operate their vehicles or provide transportation services. Each Driver is solely responsible for determining whether, when, where, and under what terms to offer rides. Ride Splits makes no guarantees regarding the availability, quality, safety, or legality of rides arranged through the Platform.

1. Contractual Relationship

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User") and Ride Splits, LLC ("Ride Splits," "we," or "our"). By accessing or using the Ride Splits platform (the "Platform") through our mobile application or website, you confirm your agreement to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not access or use the Platform.

2. Services Provided

Ride Splits provides a digital platform that enables riders and drivers to connect for the purpose of arranging carpool transportation. Ride Splits does not own vehicles or employ drivers. All transportation services are provided by independent third-party drivers ("Drivers").

3. Eligibility and Account

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction).
• Register for a Ride Splits account using accurate, complete information.
• Maintain one active account and safeguard your login credentials.
• Not have been previously banned from the Platform.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at our sole discretion.

4. Payments and Fees

Ride Splits facilitates payments between riders and drivers through third-party payment processors. By using the Platform, you agree to:

• Pay all charges for rides, including dynamic pricing, tolls, wait fees, or cancellation fees.
• Understand that Ride Splits collects a $1 platform fee from riders on each transaction, which is waived for riders with an active rider membership. Optional rider membership also includes ride insurance. Riders with an active rider membership may also receive a backup ride assurance if a driver does not show (restricted to trips for CSUSB students or faculty traveling from or to the CSUSB San Bernardino or CSUSB Palm Desert campuses).
• Acknowledge that drivers keep 100% of the fare they set. Driver membership is $12.99/month.
• Allow the app to display estimates of money saved (riders) or earned (drivers) based on your usage.

All payments are final unless otherwise determined by Ride Splits. Tips are voluntary.

5. Arbitration Agreement and Dispute Resolution

By agreeing to these Terms, you waive your right to a jury trial and agree to resolve all disputes through binding individual arbitration, not in court. This includes all claims related to your use of the Platform, subject to the following exceptions:

• Claims eligible for small claims court.
• Claims related to sexual assault or harassment.

No Class Actions: You agree not to participate in any class, collective, or representative actions against Ride Splits.

6. User Conduct

You agree to:

• Follow all applicable laws.
• Treat all users with respect and not engage in harassment, discrimination, or illegal behavior.
• Do not use Ride Splits while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Provide accurate pickup and drop-off information.

Ride Splits reserves the right to remove users for violations of conduct standards.

7. Safety and Ratings

Ride Splits may collect ratings from riders and drivers. Repeated low ratings may lead to account suspension. Riders and drivers are responsible for:

• Wearing seatbelts.
• Using appropriate child restraint systems.
• Securing any pets.

8. User Reputation and Enforcement

To promote trust and safety, Ride Splits maintains a backend user reputation score for each account (0%–100%). This score is not public and is not displayed to other users. You may request your current score through our support channels, and the app may show warnings when certain thresholds are crossed.

• Starting score: New accounts begin at 100%.
• Improvement and reduction: Scores adjust based on compliments, complaints, adherence to policies, reliability, and safety‑related behavior. We reserve the right to update the scoring factors and thresholds at any time.
• Thresholds:
  • < 80%: Account is flagged for review. You may receive in‑app warnings.
  • < 65%: You cannot be a driver. If you are currently a driver, your driver privileges are suspended/banned. Rider features may continue subject to these Terms.
  • < 50%: Account is banned. You may not create another account with the same driver’s license. After 1 month, you may request reactivation; if approved, your account restarts at 50%.
  • < 10%: Account is banned for 1 year.
  • 0%: Lifetime ban. This overrides all other timelines. Reactivation requires a specific case review and approval by Ride Splits.
• Clandestine/off‑platform offers: Accepting or soliciting off‑platform payment/ride arrangements is prohibited. A confirmed incident reduces driver reputation by 20%. A second confirmed incident results in a driver ban.
• Notifications: We will notify users when enforcement actions (flags, suspensions, bans) occur.
• Appeals and inquiries: Contact help@ridesplits.com or visit ridesplits.com/faq to request your score or appeal an enforcement decision.

8. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in and to the Platform and its content, including but not limited to trademarks, service marks, logos, design elements, domain names, source code, software, databases, text, graphics, videos, audio, and user interface elements, are and shall remain the exclusive property of Ride Splits or its licensors. These materials are protected under applicable intellectual property laws of the United States and international treaties.

Any unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or public display of these materials is strictly prohibited without the express prior written consent of Ride Splits. You may not use Ride Splits' branding or trademarks in a manner that is likely to cause confusion about the source of goods or services, including using them in domain names, advertising, social media profiles, mobile apps, or printed materials.

By submitting feedback, ideas, feature requests, suggestions, or any other content to Ride Splits, you grant Ride Splits a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, sublicensable, fully-paid, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, publish, modify, distribute, and create derivative works from such submissions for any lawful purpose. Ride Splits is under no obligation to provide credit or compensation for such contributions.

9. Sustainability and Analytics

We use your ride history to:

• Suggest more efficient commute routes.
• Estimate traffic reduction and CO2 emissions saved.
• Display personalized dashboards of money saved or earned.

All data is aggregated and anonymized for analytical purposes.

10. Modifications

We may modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. We will notify users of material changes via in-app alerts or email.

11. Third-Party Services

The Platform may contain links to third-party services. Ride Splits is not responsible for these services and you use them at your own risk.

12. Termination

We may terminate your access to the Platform at any time for:

• Breach of these Terms.
• Unsafe behavior.
• Fraud or misuse of services.

13. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

Ride Splits disclaims all warranties related to the Platform. We are not liable for:

• The actions of Drivers or Riders.
• Personal injury or property damage.
• Missed appointments or lost opportunities.

14. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ride Splits from any claims, losses, or damages resulting from:

• Your use of the Platform.
• Your violation of these Terms.
• Your interaction with other users.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Arbitration shall occur in your county of residence unless otherwise agreed.

16. Contact

Email: help@ridesplits.com

Please review these Terms regularly. Your continued use of Ride Splits confirms your acceptance.

Thank you for choosing Ride Splits.