Last updated: May 25, 2026
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Seat Sherpa mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service") operated by Seat Sherpa ("we", "us", or "our"). Seat Sherpa is a peer-to-peer carpooling platform available in California and Nevada. By using the Service, you agree to these Terms.
To use the Service you must be at least 18 years old, provide accurate registration information, and verify a phone number via SMS one-time code. Drivers must additionally be at least 21 years old with three or more years of driving experience, hold a current driver's license, and complete payment onboarding through our payment processor (Stripe).
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account. Notify us at support@seatsherpa.app immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.
You agree not to:
Violations may result in account suspension or termination without refund of fees paid.
Drivers must maintain a current driver's license, vehicle registration, and automobile insurance that meets the minimum requirements of the state in which they operate. Drivers acknowledge that personal auto insurance may not cover commercial activity and are responsible for obtaining appropriate coverage where required.
Drivers set their own seat prices and posting frequency. Seat Sherpa does not employ drivers; drivers are independent users of the Service.
Passengers acknowledge that drivers are independent operators, not employees of Seat Sherpa. Seat Sherpa facilitates introductions and payments but is not a transportation provider and does not own or operate the vehicles offered on the Service.
Drivers set the price per seat for the rides they post. Seat Sherpa does not control or set these prices.
Seat Sherpa adds a passenger service fee equal to 5% of the seat price to each booking. This fee is added on top of the seat price and is clearly shown to the passenger as a separate line item before they confirm payment. The service fee covers secure payment processing via Stripe, fraud prevention, customer support, and the cost of operating Seat Sherpa.
Seat Sherpa retains a platform fee equal to 5% of the seat price from each completed ride. This fee is deducted from the driver's payout and covers credit card processing, payment infrastructure, 1099 reporting through Stripe Connect, and the cost of operating Seat Sherpa. The driver's earnings dashboard shows the net amount after this fee — that is the actual amount transferred to the driver's bank account.
Passengers may optionally tip drivers. Tips are paid 100% to the driver with no platform fee deducted.
Seat Sherpa may modify these fees with at least 30 days' written notice via email or in-app notification. Fees in effect at the time of booking apply to that booking.
Drivers are responsible for reporting and paying any applicable taxes on their earnings. Seat Sherpa provides annual 1099-K forms to drivers who meet IRS reporting thresholds via Stripe Connect.
Payments are processed by Stripe. By using the Service you agree to Stripe's terms. Seat Sherpa does not store full payment card details.
Each ride is posted with a cancellation policy chosen by the driver:
When a driver cancels a ride, all passengers receive a 100% refund regardless of the policy, including the passenger service fee.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method via Stripe and typically appear within 5-10 business days. The platform fee and service fee on completed (non-cancelled) rides are non-refundable except where required by law.
The following terms govern your participation in the Seat Sherpa Verification SMS Program (the "SMS Program").
The SMS Program sends one-time SMS verification codes to confirm your phone number during account signup and when you change your phone number. The Program may also send transactional ride reminders for rides you have booked (for example, 24 hours and 2 hours before pickup). The Program is operational in the United States only.
You opt in by entering your phone number into the "Verify your phone" screen in the Seat Sherpa mobile app and tapping "Send code." This action is your affirmative consent to receive verification SMS at the number you entered. Phone verification is required to create a Seat Sherpa account.
Verification SMS are sent only when you request a code (typically once at signup, and again only if you change your phone number on file). Ride reminder SMS are sent up to two times per booked ride (24 hours before and 2 hours before pickup). You will not receive marketing or promotional messages.
Message and data rates may apply. Costs are determined by your wireless carrier and your mobile plan; Seat Sherpa does not charge you for messages. Contact your carrier for information about your plan.
The Program is available on most major US wireless carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and their MVNOs. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
You can opt out of the Program at any time by replying STOP to any message we send you. Other recognized opt-out keywords include STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, and QUIT. After opting out, you will receive a one-time confirmation message and no further SMS will be sent. To re-opt in, reply START or use the Change phone number flow in the app.
Reply HELP to any message to receive support information, or email support@seatsherpa.app.
Your phone number and information collected through the SMS Program are handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not share phone numbers or message content with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Seat Sherpa is not a transportation provider and is not liable for the acts or omissions of drivers or passengers, the condition of vehicles, or the outcome of any ride arranged through the Service. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Seat Sherpa's aggregate liability arising from your use of the Service is limited to the fees you have paid Seat Sherpa in the twelve months preceding the claim.
Questions about these Terms? Email support@seatsherpa.app.
These Terms may be updated from time to time. 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.