⚠️
Technology Marketplace — Not a Transportation Company

Transit Mesh provides software that connects authorized drivers and riders. Drivers are independent individuals, not employees or agents of Transit Mesh. Drivers are solely responsible for compliance with all local, state/provincial, and national transportation laws, insurance requirements, and licensing obligations applicable to their location.

Contents

  1. Definitions
  2. Platform Nature — Technology Marketplace
  3. Eligibility & Accounts
  4. Driver Obligations & Self-Certification
  5. Rider Obligations
  6. Driver Identity Verification & Biometric Data
  7. Safety Features & OTP
  8. No Employment Relationship
  9. No Warranty & Platform Liability
  10. Jurisdiction-Specific Notices
  11. Termination
  12. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
  13. General Provisions
  14. Contact

1Definitions

"Platform"
The Transit Mesh website, web application, APIs, and related software accessible at transit-mesh.net
"Operator"
Transit Mesh, the legal entity operating the Platform
"User"
Any individual accessing or using the Platform, whether as a driver, rider, or visitor
"Driver"
A User who has registered to offer transportation as an independent individual and submit bids on trip requests
"Rider"
A User who posts a trip request and selects a driver's bid
"Bid"
A price offer submitted by a Driver for a specific Rider's trip request
"Trip"
A point-to-point journey arranged between a Rider and a Driver through the Platform
"Authorized Driver"
A Driver who holds, and has self-certified they hold, a valid government-issued driver's licence and any legally required authorisations to drive and accept compensation in their jurisdiction
"Services"
The software features provided by the Platform, including trip posting, bidding, OTP pickup confirmation, and communication tools

2Platform Nature — Technology Marketplace

2.1 What Transit Mesh Is

Transit Mesh is a technology marketplace platform that provides software tools enabling private individuals to connect for ride-sharing purposes. It operates similarly to a peer-to-peer marketplace: Riders post trip requests, Drivers post bids, and both parties independently choose whether to engage.

This model is consistent with the technology intermediary frameworks used by major peer-to-peer platforms and is distinct from regulated transportation network companies (TNCs) in the following material ways:

2.2 What Transit Mesh Is NOT

⚠️ Important Legal Notice Transit Mesh is NOT a transportation company, carrier, transportation network company (TNC), taxi service, limousine service, or common carrier. Transit Mesh does not provide, arrange, or guarantee transportation. All transportation arrangements are made directly and voluntarily between independent Drivers and Riders.

Transit Mesh does not hold and does not represent that it holds any transportation licence, TNC permit, taxi licence, private hire vehicle (PHV) licence, or similar regulatory authorization in any jurisdiction. Drivers are solely and exclusively responsible for obtaining and maintaining all such licences, permits, insurance, and authorizations required by their local, state/provincial, and national laws.

2.3 Technology Safe Harbor

As a technology platform that hosts and facilitates connections between users, the Operator relies on applicable safe harbor provisions including, without limitation, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230) in the United States, for user-generated content and user-initiated connections.

3Eligibility & Accounts

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account or use the Platform in any capacity. By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you are 18 or older and have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements in your jurisdiction.

3.2 Account Registration

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account at privacy@transit-mesh.net.

3.3 One Account Per Person

Each individual may maintain only one account on the Platform. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent bans, verification requirements, or platform policies is grounds for permanent suspension of all associated accounts.

3.4 Geographic Availability

The Platform is available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Users accessing the Platform from outside these jurisdictions do so at their own risk and are responsible for compliance with their local laws.

4Driver Obligations & Self-Certification

4.1 Self-Certification Requirement

Before bidding on any trip, each Driver must complete a verification flow in which they certify and confirm all of the following:

4.2 Driver's Sole Responsibility for Legal Compliance

Drivers are exclusively and entirely responsible for compliance with all laws, regulations, and requirements applicable to their driving activities, including but not limited to:

Transit Mesh assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for any Driver's failure to obtain required permits, maintain required insurance, or comply with applicable law.

4.3 Consequences of False Certification

Providing false, fraudulent, or misleading information during the self-certification or verification process is a material breach of these Terms, grounds for immediate and permanent suspension, and may constitute fraud under applicable criminal and civil law. Transit Mesh reserves the right to report such conduct to law enforcement or regulatory authorities.

4.4 Driver Conduct

Drivers agree to operate their vehicles safely, comply with all traffic laws, treat Riders with respect, complete trips as agreed, and not engage in harassment, discrimination, or abusive conduct toward any User.

5Rider Obligations

Riders agree to:

6Driver Identity Verification & Biometric Data

6.1 Verification Requirement

All Drivers must complete identity verification before accessing bidding features. Verification involves submission of a driver's licence image and a selfie for facial comparison. This constitutes collection of biometric data as defined under applicable law.

Explicit, informed consent is collected in-app before any biometric data is processed. Drivers may decline verification, but doing so will prevent access to driver features.

6.2 Data Protection & Retention

Biometric data (DL image, selfie, facial geometry score) is:

Full details: Biometric & Identity Data Consent Notice →

6.3 Verification Decisions & Appeals

Verification uses automated local processing (OCR and facial comparison). A Driver whose licence is expired, unreadable, or cannot be verified will not be approved. Rejected Drivers may appeal by contacting privacy@transit-mesh.net for manual review. No exceptions are made for Drivers who cannot demonstrate a valid, unexpired licence.

7Safety Features & OTP Pickup Confirmation

The Platform includes an OTP (one-time password) pickup confirmation feature. When a Driver arrives, the Rider receives a code that must be verbally confirmed before the trip begins. This protects Riders from entering the wrong vehicle.

Both Drivers and Riders are strongly encouraged to use the emergency contacts feature and to follow all personal safety best practices when arranging transportation with strangers. Transit Mesh provides technology tools to support safety; ultimate responsibility for personal safety decisions remains with each User.

8No Employment Relationship

Nothing in these Terms creates, or shall be construed to create, any employment, agency, partnership, joint venture, or franchise relationship between Transit Mesh and any Driver. Drivers are independent individuals who use the Platform's software to connect with Riders. Transit Mesh does not control, direct, or supervise how Drivers perform transportation services.

This independent contractor relationship is consistent with the legal frameworks applicable in each of our operating jurisdictions:

9No Warranty & Platform Liability

9.1 Platform Provided "As Is"

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRANSIT MESH DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

9.2 No Liability for Trips

Transit Mesh is not a party to any trip arrangement between a Driver and a Rider. Transit Mesh is not responsible for and expressly disclaims all liability for: the conduct of Drivers or Riders; vehicle condition or safety; accidents, injuries, property damage, or loss arising from a trip; the accuracy of information provided by Drivers or Riders; or the failure of any User to comply with applicable law.

9.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL TRANSIT MESH BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. WHERE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW (E.G., UNDER CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS), LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED.

UK/Australia notice: Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

9.4 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Transit Mesh and its operators, officers, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to: your use of the Platform; your violation of these Terms; your violation of any applicable law or regulation; or any third-party claim arising from a trip you participated in.

10Jurisdiction-Specific Notices

The following jurisdiction-specific disclosures apply in addition to the general terms above. Where conflict exists between a general provision and a jurisdiction-specific provision, the jurisdiction-specific provision controls for users in that jurisdiction.

🇺🇸
United States — General Federal
FTC Act § 5 · Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) · COPPA (15 U.S.C. § 6501)

Transit Mesh operates in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission Act's prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices. Driver's licence information is collected and used solely for the permissible purpose of identity verification under the DPPA (18 U.S.C. § 2721(b)(3)). The Platform is not directed at children under 18 (COPPA compliance).

Transit Mesh does not represent itself as a TNC under any federal or state definition. Drivers independently determine whether any state or local TNC, taxi, or transportation-for-hire permit applies to their individual activities and are solely responsible for obtaining any such permit.

🇺🇸
California, USA
CCPA/CPRA (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100) · Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 5431 (TNC definition) · Cal. Veh. Code § 14604–14606 (DL verification) · AB5 / Prop 22

TNC Status: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) defines a Transportation Network Company (Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 5431(c)) as a company that provides prearranged transportation services using an online-enabled platform for compensation. Transit Mesh does not provide transportation services and does not set or receive compensation for transportation. California-based Drivers are solely responsible for determining whether CPUC TNC registration applies to their individual activities and for compliance with all CPUC regulations if so required.

Driver's Licence Verification: Consistent with Cal. Veh. Code § 14604, only licenced drivers may use the driver features of the Platform. Drivers self-certify and undergo biometric verification prior to bidding.

Privacy Rights: California residents have full CCPA/CPRA rights as described in our Privacy Policy. We do not sell personal data. Contact: privacy@transit-mesh.net

Worker Classification: Drivers using the Platform are independent individuals, not employees. Transit Mesh is a software platform and does not direct or control Driver services.

🇺🇸
Illinois, USA
BIPA — 740 ILCS 14/1 et seq. · Transportation Network Providers Act — 625 ILCS 57/1 et seq. · Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act — 815 ILCS 505

Biometric Data (BIPA): Drivers in Illinois are explicitly informed that the Platform collects biometric identifiers (facial geometry derived from the licence photo and selfie). Under BIPA (740 ILCS 14/15):

  • Biometric data will not be sold, leased, or traded (§ 15(c))
  • Biometric data will not be disclosed to third parties without separate written consent (§ 15(d))
  • Biometric data will be destroyed within 90 days of last use or account deletion, whichever is sooner (§ 15(a))
  • Written informed consent is obtained in-app before any biometric data is collected (§ 15(b))
  • This written policy is the retention schedule required by § 15(a)
  • Illinois residents have a private right of action under BIPA: $1,000 per negligent violation, $5,000 per intentional or reckless violation

TNC Status: The Illinois Transportation Network Providers Act (625 ILCS 57) regulates TNCs operating in Illinois. Transit Mesh does not hold and does not represent itself as holding a TNC permit under this Act. Illinois-based Drivers are solely responsible for determining whether they are required to operate under a TNC permit and for compliance with all applicable transportation regulations.

🇺🇸
Texas, USA
Texas Data Privacy and Security Act — Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Ch. 541 (eff. July 1, 2024) · Texas Biometric Identifier Act — Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 503.001 · Transportation Network Company Regulation — Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 2402

Biometric Data: Transit Mesh collects biometric identifiers from drivers as defined under Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 503.001. Such identifiers are used solely for the purpose of identity verification, are not sold or disclosed to third parties, and are retained for no longer than 90 days after the purpose has been fulfilled.

Privacy Rights: Texas residents have rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), including rights of access, correction, deletion, portability, and opt-out of sale or targeted advertising. We do not sell data or engage in targeted advertising. Enforcement is by the Texas Attorney General only (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 541.101).

TNC Status: The Texas Transportation Network Company law (Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 2402) provides for statewide TNC registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Transit Mesh does not hold a Texas TNC permit. Texas-based Drivers who accept compensation for transportation are solely responsible for determining their permit obligations under Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 2402.

🇺🇸
Other U.S. States
Virginia VCDPA · Colorado CPA · Connecticut CTDPA · Washington MHM DA · Florida FDBR · State TNC Laws

Most U.S. states have enacted or are enacting state-level consumer data privacy laws. Transit Mesh honors access, correction, deletion, and opt-out rights for all U.S. residents regardless of their state, consistent with the rights described in the Privacy Policy.

State TNC Regulations: Virtually every U.S. state has enacted some form of TNC regulation. State TNC laws typically apply to entities that use digital networks to connect riders with drivers for compensation. Transit Mesh operates as a marketplace software platform. Drivers in all U.S. states are individually responsible for determining whether state TNC registration applies to their activities and for obtaining any required permits. Drivers should review their state's TNC law (many available through state DMV or PUC websites) and obtain legal advice if uncertain.

🇨🇦
Canada
PIPEDA — S.C. 2000, c. 5 · Quebec Law 25 (SQ 2021, c 25) · Canada Labour Code (RSC 1985, c L-2) · Provincial TNC Regulations

Privacy: Personal information is collected and handled under PIPEDA and applicable provincial privacy legislation. Quebec residents have additional rights under Law 25, including data portability and the right to object to automated decisions (eff. September 2023). A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is maintained as required by Law 25 for systems involving biometric data.

Worker Classification: Canadian Drivers are self-employed independent contractors, not employees. Drivers are responsible for their own income tax, CPP contributions, and HST/GST registration and remittance obligations under the Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act.

Provincial TNC Regulations: Ride-for-hire regulations vary significantly by province and municipality in Canada:

  • Ontario: The Taxis and Limousines Act (STO 2012) and municipal by-laws govern for-hire transportation. Drivers must ensure compliance with applicable Ontario and municipal requirements.
  • British Columbia: The Passenger Transportation Act (RSBC 1996, c 341) and Passenger Transportation Board regulate ride-hailing. Drivers must hold a valid Class 4 licence and the appropriate Transportation Network Services licence issued by the PTB.
  • Quebec: Taxi and transportation-for-hire is regulated under the Act respecting transportation services by taxi (CQLR c S-6.01) and Loi concernant les services de transport par taxi. Drivers must comply with all applicable Quebec transportation regulations.
  • Alberta: Transportation Network Companies are regulated under the Traffic Safety Act (RSA 2000, c T-6) and municipal bylaws. Drivers are responsible for compliance.
  • All Provinces: Drivers are solely responsible for holding any required provincial or municipal ride-for-hire licence, permit, or authorization before accepting compensation for transportation.
🇬🇧
United Kingdom
UK GDPR · Data Protection Act 2018 · Private Hire Vehicles Act 1998 · Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 · Working Time Regulations 1998 · ICO oversight

Privacy / UK GDPR: Processing of personal data is conducted under UK GDPR (as retained by the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2020) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Lawful basis: Article 6(1)(b) (contract) for general data; Article 9(2)(a) (explicit consent) for biometric data. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) supervises compliance. Users have the right to lodge a complaint with the ICO at ico.org.uk. Data transfers to the US occur under the UK-US Data Bridge (eff. October 2023).

Private Hire / Ride-for-Hire Licensing: In the United Kingdom, private hire vehicle (PHV) operations are regulated at the local authority level under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Private Hire Vehicles Act 1998. In London, PHV operations are regulated by Transport for London (TfL) under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998. Drivers who accept payment for transportation in the UK must hold the appropriate local authority or TfL private hire operator's and driver's licence. Transit Mesh does not hold and does not represent that it holds any such licence. UK-based Drivers are exclusively responsible for compliance with all applicable licensing requirements before accepting any compensation for transportation.

Insurance: UK Drivers must carry appropriate motor insurance covering use of their vehicle for hire and reward, as required under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Standard private motor insurance does not cover driving for hire and reward.

Worker Rights: UK Drivers are not employees or "workers" of Transit Mesh within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996 or the Working Time Regulations 1998. Drivers are self-employed. Note that certain UK Supreme Court decisions (e.g., Uber BV v Aslam [2021] UKSC 5) have addressed worker classification in ride-hailing contexts — these decisions concerned operational facts specific to those platforms and do not apply to Transit Mesh's marketplace model.

🇦🇺
Australia
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) · Australian Privacy Principles · Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) · Point-to-Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 (NSW) · Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 (Qld) · Various state Acts

Privacy / APPs: Personal information is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (Schedule 1). Biometric data is treated as sensitive information under APP 3 and afforded the highest level of protection. Users may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.

Point-to-Point Transport Regulation: Ride-for-hire and point-to-point transport is regulated at the state and territory level in Australia:

  • New South Wales: Regulated under the Point-to-Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 (NSW). Drivers must be accredited under this Act and hold appropriate booking service provider authorisation.
  • Victoria: Regulated under the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017 (Vic). Drivers must hold a commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) driver accreditation.
  • Queensland: Regulated under the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 (Qld). Drivers must hold a booked hire service driver authorisation.
  • Western Australia: Regulated under the Transport (Road Passenger Services) Act 2018 (WA). Drivers must hold an on-demand booking service driver authorisation.
  • South Australia, ACT, Tasmania, NT: Similar state/territory licensing requirements apply. Drivers are responsible for compliance with their specific jurisdiction's laws.

Transit Mesh does not hold and does not represent that it holds any Australian booking service provider accreditation or driver authorisation. Australian Drivers are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required state/territory authorisations and for compliance with all applicable point-to-point transport laws before accepting compensation for transportation.

GST & Tax: Australian Drivers who earn income through the Platform may have GST registration and remittance obligations under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) and income tax obligations under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth). Drivers should obtain independent tax advice.

Worker Classification: Australian Drivers are independent contractors, not employees, under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and applicable High Court decisions on contractor classification.

11Termination

11.1 Termination by User

You may close your account at any time by contacting privacy@transit-mesh.net. Upon closure, your personal data will be deleted in accordance with the retention schedules in the Privacy Policy. Biometric data will be deleted within 72 hours of account closure.

11.2 Suspension or Termination by Transit Mesh

Transit Mesh may suspend or permanently terminate your account, with or without notice, for:

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to access and use the Platform ceases. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including Sections 2, 8, 9, 12, and 13) shall survive.

12Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

12.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal legal action, both parties agree to attempt good-faith informal resolution. Contact: privacy@transit-mesh.net. We will respond within 30 days.

12.2 Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles, except as follows:

12.3 Arbitration (U.S. Users)

For United States users, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, rather than in court, except that either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitration shall be conducted in Dallas County, Texas. YOU AND TRANSIT MESH EACH WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION.

Notwithstanding the above: (a) Illinois users retain the right to bring BIPA claims in Illinois courts with jurisdiction; (b) California users retain statutory rights under the CCPA that cannot be waived by contract; (c) Users in any jurisdiction retain the right to file complaints with applicable government agencies and data protection authorities.

12.4 Limitation Period

Any claim arising under these Terms must be brought within one (1) year of the date the cause of action accrued, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

12.5 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

13General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Biometric & Identity Data Consent Notice, constitute the entire agreement between you and Transit Mesh regarding your use of the Platform.

13.2 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce it in the future.

13.3 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without Transit Mesh's prior written consent. Transit Mesh may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

13.4 Updates to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated by in-app notice at least 30 days before taking effect. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance, except where applicable law requires affirmative consent.

13.5 Legal Advice Disclaimer

⚠️ Not Legal Advice These Terms of Service and the accompanying Privacy Policy are provided for informational purposes. They do not constitute legal advice. Users, especially Drivers, are strongly encouraged to seek independent legal advice regarding their specific obligations under the transportation, tax, insurance, and employment laws applicable in their jurisdiction before using the Platform to accept compensation for transportation.

14Contact

Transit Mesh General & legal: privacy@transit-mesh.net
Platform: transit-mesh.net

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