Terms of Service

1. About uptrideconnect

uptrideconnect is a digital transport booking platform operated by JM CYBER SPACE (Pty) Ltd (Registration No: 2021/398651/07), headquartered at 80 Hanepoot Crescent, Louisvale Road, Upington, 8801, Northern Cape, South Africa.

The platform connects passengers with independent long-distance taxi operators and drivers across the Northern Cape. JM CYBER SPACE acts as a technology platform provider — we are not a transport operator and do not employ drivers.

2. Eligibility

To use uptrideconnect you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Provide accurate, truthful, and complete registration information
• Have a valid South African phone number and email address
• Agree to these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to refuse or terminate access to any account at our sole discretion.

3. User Accounts

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You must not share your account with any other person. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.

If you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at support@uptrideconnect.co.za.

4. Passenger Terms

4.1 Booking

• Bookings are requests — confirmation is subject to driver availability
• You must provide accurate pickup location, destination, travel date, and passenger count
• You are responsible for being at the agreed pickup point at the agreed time
• Providing false booking information may result in account suspension

4.2 Cancellations

• Cancellations must be made as early as possible through the app
• Repeated last-minute cancellations may result in account restriction
• Refund terms are at the discretion of the operator for the relevant route

4.3 Conduct

• Passengers must behave respectfully toward drivers and other passengers
• No illegal substances, weapons, or prohibited items may be transported
• Passengers travel at their own risk — uptrideconnect is not liable for incidents during travel

5. Driver Terms

5.1 Approval

• All drivers must be approved by a registered taxi operator before carrying passengers
• You must hold a valid South African driver's licence appropriate for the vehicle class
• You must be associated with a registered taxi business on the platform

5.2 Conduct

• Drivers must operate vehicles that are roadworthy and properly licensed
• Drivers must not operate under the influence of alcohol or any substance
• Drivers must adhere to South African road traffic regulations at all times
• GPS location sharing is required during active bookings for passenger safety

5.3 Ratings

• Passenger ratings and reviews are visible to operators and the platform
• Consistent poor ratings may result in suspension from the platform

6. Taxi Operator Terms

6.1 Onboarding

• Operators join by invitation only — contact us to apply
• Operators must be registered businesses with valid operating licences
• Operators are responsible for all drivers associated with their business account

6.2 Responsibilities

• Operators must ensure all associated drivers meet the driver requirements above
• Operators are responsible for the accuracy of route pricing on the platform
• Operators must maintain valid business and vehicle insurance
• Banking details provided must be accurate and belong to the registered business

6.3 Platform fees

• Subscription fees and commission rates are agreed at onboarding and communicated in writing
• Fee structures may be updated with 30 days notice to active operators

7. Prohibited Conduct

The following are strictly prohibited on the uptrideconnect platform:

• Providing false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Attempting to circumvent the platform by arranging direct cash payments after initial contact through the app
• Harassment, abuse, or threatening behaviour toward any platform user
• Creating multiple accounts or impersonating another person
• Attempting to hack, scrape, or disrupt the platform
• Using the platform for any illegal purpose

Violation of these prohibitions will result in immediate account suspension and may be reported to relevant authorities.

8. Payments

Payment arrangements are currently managed between passengers and operators directly. uptrideconnect records payment status on the platform but does not currently process payments on behalf of operators or passengers.

When in-app payment processing is introduced, additional payment terms will be communicated to all users prior to implementation.

9. Limitation of Liability

uptrideconnect is a technology platform that facilitates connections between passengers and independent transport operators. We do not operate vehicles, employ drivers, or control the conduct of operators.

To the fullest extent permitted by South African law:

• JM CYBER SPACE is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage arising from transport services booked through the platform
• JM CYBER SPACE is not liable for cancellations, delays, or service failures by operators or drivers
• JM CYBER SPACE's total liability to any user shall not exceed the amount paid by that user on the platform in the 3 months preceding the claim

10. Intellectual Property

All content, design, code, logos, and branding on the uptrideconnect platform are the intellectual property of JM CYBER SPACE (Pty) Ltd. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

11. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms. You may close your account at any time by contacting support@uptrideconnect.co.za.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via push notification or email at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the platform after that date constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Contact

• Email: support@uptrideconnect.co.za
• Phone: 073 865 7790
• Post: JM CYBER SPACE (Pty) Ltd, 80 Hanepoot Crescent, Louisvale Road, Upington, 8801