Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Ride Companion Services, Inc. ("Ride Companion", "we", "our," or "us"). These Terms of Use govern your access to and use our platform, mobile application, and services (collectively, the "Services").

By creating an account or using the Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree, you may not access or use the Services.

1. Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an account.
• Minors under 18 may only ride if accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorised caregiver.
• You agree to provide accurate information when registering.

2. Nature of Services

• Ride Companion provides a technology platform that connects riders with drivers, companion providers, and caregivers.
• We do not own or operate vehicles; drivers and caregivers are independent providers.
• We are not a common carrier, taxi service, or medical provider.

3. Rider Responsibilities

Riders must follow all posted Policies and Procedures, including CPUC Accessibility rules, zero tolerance substance policies, and non-discrimination standards.

Riders must:

• Always wear seatbelts.
• Treat drivers and caregivers respectfully.
• Not engage in harassment, threats, or unsafe conduct.
• Permit service animals as required by law.

4. Driver and Caregiver Role

• Drivers and caregivers are independent contractors, not employees of Ride Companion Inc.
• They are responsible for their own licenses, clearances, and background/fingerprinting checks in accordance with CPUC and state laws, insurance, CPR-First Aid Certification, permits, and taxes.

5. Accessibility and ADA Compliance

• We are committed to providing equal access to persons with disabilities.
• Service animals must be accommodated without extra fees.
• Wheelchair-accessible rides are available upon request where supported.

6. Safety and Zero Tolerance Policy

• Ride Companion maintains a Zero-Tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol for all drivers.
• Riders may report suspected violations through:
  • In-app reporting tools
  • Emergency Hotline Button 24/7: (909) 827-8644
  • Email: support@myridecompanion.com
  • Directly to CPUC: 1(800)-894-9444

7. Payment and Fees

• All payments must be processed through the Ride Companion Platform.
• Cash payments are not allowed.
• Cancellation fees may apply for last-minute cancellations.
• Pricing is displayed in the Ride Platform before booking the service.

8. Privacy and Data

• Your personal data is protected by our Privacy Policy.
• Ride history, tracking location, and contact information may be collected to ensure safety and compliance.
• If you use caregiver service, certain health-related information may need to be processed in accordance with HIPAA-Compliant Protocols.

9. Lost Items

• Ride Companion is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in vehicles.
• We will make reasonable efforts to assist in retrieval through the lost and found feature in the Ride App platform.

10. Disclaimers

We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service.

We are not liable for:

• Personal injury, accidents, or incidents involving third-party providers.
• Delays, cancellations, or interruptions of services.
• Items lost during rides.

11. Limitation of Liability

• To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ride Companion's liability is limited to the amount paid for the ride in question.
• We are not responsible for indirect, incidental, or punitive damages.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ride Companion, its officers, employees, and affiliates against claims arising from:

• Your use of the services.
• Your violations of these Terms.
• Your interaction with drivers, caregivers, or companions.

13. Dispute Resolution

• Disputes will first be addressed through our Customer Support process.
• If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to binding arbitration under California Law.
• Riders waive the right to participate in a class action lawsuit.

14. Termination

• We may suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms or unsafe conduct.
• You may close your account at any time through the Ride App platform.

15. CPUC Oversight

Ride Companion Services, Inc. operates under the authority of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as a licensed Transportation Network Company. Riders may file complaints directly with the CPUC.

16. Updates to Terms

• We may update these Terms from time to time.
• Continued use of the service after updates constitutes acceptance of these Terms.

17. Contact

For questions or complaints: