Terms of Service

RideCircles is a digital coordination platform that enables parents and legal guardians to organize and manage private, community-based carpools for school and related activities. The Service allows users to create or join invite-only groups ("Circles") composed of trusted individuals. Each Circle independently determines its membership and is solely responsible for vetting participants.

RideCircles provides tools for scheduling, availability management, communication, and real-time trip tracking, as well as optional features that allow users to discover and request to join nearby carpools traveling to similar destinations. RideCircles operates solely as a neutral technology intermediary that facilitates coordination and information sharing among users and does not provide, arrange, manage, or operate transportation services, nor does it employ or contract drivers or conduct background checks or identity verification.

All transportation arrangements, driving activities, supervision of minors, and safety-related decisions are made independently by users at their own discretion and risk. RideCircles does not control, monitor, or assume responsibility for user conduct, vehicle condition, driver qualifications, or the safety, timing, or execution of any trip. To the fullest extent permitted by law, RideCircles disclaims all liability arising out of or related to any carpooling activity facilitated through the Service. RideCircles is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any school or educational institution.

What RideCircles Is:

• A scheduling and coordination tool
• A private network for parent-led drives
• A communication hub for guardians
• A trip tracking tool during active drives

What RideCircles Is Not:

• A transportation or taxi service — all driving is done by circle members themselves
• A background-checking or vetting agency — parents are responsible for knowing and vetting their own circle members
• A school-affiliated or school-endorsed program
• A safety guarantee — parents and guardians remain solely responsible for the safety of children in their care

You must be at least 18 years old or a legal guardian of a minor to create an account and use the Service. By using RideCircles, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to promptly update any changes, including profile, vehicle, and contact details. You must notify RideCircles immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

You agree to use the Service solely for lawful, non-commercial carpool coordination among parents and guardians. You are responsible for providing accurate identity, vehicle, and availability information, maintaining up-to-date schedules and participation details, independently vetting and approving Circle members, and using the Service in compliance with all applicable laws.

If you act as a driver, you represent and warrant that you hold a valid driver's license and maintain legally required auto insurance, operate a safe and roadworthy vehicle with appropriate safety restraints, comply with all applicable traffic and child safety laws, and do not operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances.

You may not use the Service for commercial transportation or paid ride services, misrepresent your identity or credentials, harass, threaten, or harm other users, circumvent or interfere with platform functionality, or engage in any conduct that endangers minors or violates applicable law. RideCircles reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts at its sole discretion for any violation of these Terms.

All rights, title, and interest in and to the Service, including all content, features, and functionality, are owned by RideCircles and protected under applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without prior written consent.

You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for selecting, vetting, and trusting other users, and that RideCircles does not verify the identity, driving history, insurance, or background of any user. RideCircles does not supervise, direct, or control any transportation activity and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, user conduct, negligence, inaccuracies in user-provided information, disputes between users, failures or inaccuracies in tracking or communication features, or any missed schedules, delays, or cancellations.

The Service is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including safety, reliability, or fitness for a particular purpose. To the maximum extent permitted by law, RideCircles shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless RideCircles and its affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or related to your use of the Service, your participation in any carpool activity, your violation of these Terms or applicable law, or any injury, damage, or loss caused by you or your vehicle.

You may terminate your account at any time. RideCircles may suspend or terminate access at its discretion for violations of these Terms. Upon termination, your data will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

These Terms of Service, together with any documents incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and RideCircles and supersede all prior agreements or understandings.

RideCircles' failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, it shall be modified to the extent permitted by law or severed, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

These Terms are binding on you and RideCircles and their respective successors and permitted assigns. RideCircles may assign these Terms at its discretion, while you may not assign them without prior written consent. No third party has any right to enforce these Terms, except as expressly provided.

RideCircles does not guarantee the availability, coverage, or reliability of carpools, users, routes, or Service functionality in any specific location ("serviceability"), and such availability may vary based on user participation, geographic factors, and other conditions beyond RideCircles' control.

Upon termination, all rights granted to you will cease, but provisions that by their nature should survive, including those relating to liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution, will remain in effect.

RideCircles may update or modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you through the Service or via the email associated with your account. Your continued use of the Service after the changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at support@ridecircles.com.