Ride On Trip Planner Mobile Application Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Last updated May 26, 2023

Ride On Trip Planner Mobile Application Privacy Policy

Policy Summary

This privacy policy for The Montgomery County Government (hereafter the County or we), is intended to inform users (hereafter “User(s)” or “you”) of how we and our developer, Moovit, Inc. (“Moovit”), might collect, store, use, process, or share your information when you download, install, access, or use the Ride On Trip Planner mobile application (hereafter the application) or its services. We and our developers are committed to your privacy.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully before accessing and using our services. By accessing or using our service you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any term provided herein, you may opt out of specific features or choose to stop using the application and our services.

The County reserves the right to change these practices and procedures at any time without prior notice, so we encourage you to re-visit this page frequently.

Information We Collect

When you use our Services, we may collect or process information depending on your selections and how you interact with the application, its services, and the products or features you use. We collect information you voluntarily provide to us in accord with the terms set forth in this Privacy Policy. All data collected and stored pursuant to the services provided by the application are de-identified.

We do not process sensitive information. Purchases cannot be made through the application. To use our Services, you must be over the age of sixteen (16). Therefore, we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors under the age of sixteen (16).

If you use our application and services, we may collect the following information by default or if you choose to provide access or permission:

  • Geo-location data. The application may request access or permission to track or use geo-location data from your mobile device to provide certain services. For personalized bus and schedule alerts, the App transmits location data you select and a unique device token ID to the vendor. You may turn off certain optional features like geo-location sharing or set to imprecise location sharing in your device settings. By choosing to opt out, a user may not be able to use certain features or services.
  • Mobile Device Feature Access. The application may request permission to access certain mobile device features. If you wish to change access to any features, you may do so in your device settings.
  • Mobile Device Data. The application automatically collects information about the mobile device (such as but not limited to: model, browser characteristics, IP address, manufacturer, operating system, app usage data, and system configuration information, and cookies). This information is mainly collected to help provide you with a better, faster, and safer experience while using the application. See more information about the developer’s cookie policy.

This information is collected and processed for a variety of reasons including:

  • Service Delivery - We may collect or process your information to provide, maintain, develop, or enhance services. For example, location information may be collected in order to provide you with recommended public transport means and routes to your destination.
  • Identification of Usage Trends - Information such as diagnostics and search history may be used to understand usage trends and improve services, but this information will not be linked to a user’s identity.
  • Security - Your information may be processed to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, abuse, security, usability, functionality, or technical issues with our services; protecting against harm to the rights, property or safety of our properties, our users or the public as required or permitted by law.

Processing and Information Sharing

Data from the app may be shared with the application developer Moovit, who maintains the application on our behalf and requires access to the data collected to ensure service delivery and app functionality.

The County does not see, collect, or store any data you enter into the application. All information you enter into the application is stored on your device and in the developer’s database. It is not stored on any County websites or servers.

The Ride On Trip Planner uses data collected by the Developer from the County and other sources and is relayed to third-party services, including Google Maps, for the purposes of fulfilling a complete journey as part of the Service. While Google has advised the County that it does not collect any personal information, it does collect certain diagnostic and analytic information such as the number of times a map is accessed via the mapping feature on the Ride On Trip Planner. This information is not shared with the County. The County is not responsible for any information collected by Google and Moovit, the Ride On Trip Planner developer.

Data Retention

Our Developer will retain information collected pursuant to the operations of the service for as long as the application is active or as otherwise necessary to provide you the Services. The Developer will also retain such application-related information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, to resolve disputes, to prevent fraud and abuse, to enforce our agreements and/or protect our legitimate interests.

Where information collected pursuant to the services provided in the application are no longer necessary for the purposes set out in this privacy policy. or following your request to delete such information, we will delete such information.

User Privacy Rights

Users may request removal or review of their data by submitting a request to: [email protected] at any time.

Ride On Trip Planner Application Terms of Use

Terms of Use

The County Mobile App Terms of Use outline the rules and guidelines for using the app. These include requirements for users to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as restrictions on how users can access and use the app.

The app is intended for use by people planning their trips on Montgomery County Transit (e.g. Flex, Ride On, Flash). It should not be relied upon as the sole source of bus program information. The terms also require users to protect the privacy and security of other users and to refrain from using the app for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.

The terms state that the County may terminate a user's access to the app at any time for any reason, and that users may not reproduce, modify, or distribute any part of the app without the County's prior written consent.

By downloading the “Ride On Trip Planner”, you agree to these terms.

For any Ride On bus-related schedule arrivals, the App transmits data to you letting them know the arrival time and crowdedness. This helps you plan your next travel segment.

For personalized bus and schedule alerts, the App transmits data to the developer. You may turn off certain optional features like your GPS location in your device settings which may impact service or functionality of the application. For more information, reference the application privacy policy.

The County does not see or store any data you enter into the App. All information you enter into the App is stored on your device and in the vendor’s database. It is not stored on any County websites or servers. The County is not responsible for any damages resulting from the loss or theft of that information.

The Ride On Trip Planner uses Google Maps, a Google product. While Google has advised the County that it does not collect any personal information, it does collect the number of times a map is accessed via the mapping feature on the Ride On Trip Planner. This information is not shared with the County. The County is not responsible for any information collected by Google and Moovit, the Ride On Trip Planner developer.

While Ride On Trip Planner does not charge for the use of this App, normal carrier data fees may apply. Please consult your carrier to discuss any charges related to the use of this App.

The County is a local government entity and as such does not endorse any non-government entities. You may not use this App or any of the information in this App to imply that the County endorses you or your organization.

The County and its vendor Moovit will make all reasonable attempts to keep this App bug-free and up to date.

However, this App and all information, content, and materials included on or otherwise made available to you through this App are provided by the County and its vendor Moovit on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

The County makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the operation of this site or the information, content, or materials included on or otherwise made available to you through this App. You expressly agree that your use of this App is at your own risk. To the full extent permissible by applicable County, state, and federal law, the County disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The County does not warrant that this App, information, content, or materials included on or otherwise made available to you through this App are free of viruses or other harmful components. The County will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this App from any information, content, or materials included on or otherwise made available to you through this App, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.