Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Seat Sherpa ("we", "us", or "our") operates the Seat Sherpa mobile application (the "App"), a peer-to-peer carpooling service available in California and Nevada. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.

1. Information we collect

• Account information — name, email address, date of birth, profile photo.
• Phone number — collected during signup and verified via SMS one-time code. Used to enable in-app voice communication between matched drivers and passengers.
• Driver-only information — driver's license image and extracted name/date of birth, vehicle details (make, model, year, color, license plate, VIN), insurance card image, vehicle photos.
• Ride information — origin and destination addresses, departure date/time, seat selection, messages exchanged in ride chats.
• Payment information — collected and processed by Stripe Inc.; we do not store full card details on our servers.
• Device information — push notification token, app version, operating system, anonymized usage events.

2. How we use your information

• To create and manage your account.
• To verify your identity and prevent fraud (SMS phone verification, driver's license review).
• To match drivers with passengers, coordinate rides, and process payments.
• To send transactional notifications (booking confirmations, ride reminders, message alerts).
• To respond to support inquiries.
• To comply with legal obligations (e.g., California PUC ridesharing rules).

We do not use your information for marketing purposes. We do not sell your data to third parties.

3. SMS messaging consent

During account creation, you provide your phone number and affirmatively consent to receive a one-time verification code via SMS by tapping "Send code." You may also receive transactional SMS reminders for upcoming rides. Standard SMS rates from your carrier may apply. You can opt out of further SMS at any time by replying STOP to any message. To re-opt-in, reply START. For help, reply HELP or email support@seatsherpa.app.

We do not share SMS-related consent, phone numbers, or message content with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

4. Service providers

We use the following service providers to operate the App:

• Supabase — account database, authentication, file storage.
• Stripe — payment processing and driver payouts (Stripe Connect).
• Twilio — SMS verification code delivery.
• Apple and Google — optional sign-in providers, push notification delivery.
• Resend — transactional email delivery.

Each provider processes data only as required to deliver their service to us and is bound by their own privacy policies and data-processing agreements.

5. Information sharing between users

To coordinate rides, your name, profile photo, ratings, and (after booking confirmation) phone number are shared with the matched driver or passenger. Phone calls placed through the App use your device's native dialer and the other party's phone number is visible to you. Drivers' vehicle details (make, model, color) are visible to passengers who book a seat; the license plate is revealed 2 hours before pickup. We do not share your information with users you have not been matched with.

6. Data retention and deletion

We retain your account information for as long as your account is active. You may request deletion of your account at any time by emailing support@seatsherpa.app. After deletion, we may retain certain records (e.g., trip history for tax and regulatory compliance) for up to seven years.

7. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or port your personal information. California residents have specific rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what we collect and the right to request deletion. To exercise any of these rights, email support@seatsherpa.app.

8. Security

We use industry-standard security practices including encryption in transit (TLS), encryption at rest, role-based access controls, and regular security review. No system is perfectly secure; if you believe your account has been compromised, contact support immediately.

9. Children

Seat Sherpa is not directed to children under 18. Drivers must be 21+ with 3 years of driving experience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy as the App evolves or as regulations change. Material changes will be communicated through the App or via email. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.

11. Contact

Questions or concerns? Email support@seatsherpa.app.