BRIGHTERCONNECT – TERMS OF SERVICE

1. INTRODUCTION AND ACCEPTANCE

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the BrighterConnect platform, including our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Service"). By clicking "I Agree" or otherwise affirmatively accepting these Terms, you represent that you have read and agree to be bound by them and consent to electronic records and signatures under the federal E-SIGN Act and Maryland law.

BrighterConnect provides a technology platform that connects passengers ("Riders") with independent transportation providers ("Drivers") who operate as independent businesses and determine when, where, and whether to provide rides. BrighterConnect does not provide transportation services, does not own, operate, or control vehicles, and is not a transportation carrier or common carrier.

No Agency, Employment, or Joint Venture. Drivers are independent contractors and are not employees, agents, partners, joint venturers, franchisees, or representatives of BrighterConnect. BrighterConnect does not control and has no right to control the manner or means by which Drivers provide transportation services, including schedules, routes, or pricing outside platform-calculated fares.

2. ELIGIBILITY

You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a binding contract; if you access the Service on behalf of a company, you represent you have authority to bind that company and it accepts these Terms.

3. RIDE SERVICES

Drivers may accept or reject ride requests at their sole discretion and are free to engage in other work or platforms without exclusivity. Fare estimates are approximations and may vary; final charges may include applicable taxes, tolls, surcharges, and a flat $5.00 rider cancellation fee as described below.

4. PAYMENTS

Payment is processed automatically upon trip completion; you authorize adjustments for tolls, taxes, tips, and fees disclosed in the app and consent to electronic receipts. You authorize BrighterConnect to charge your selected payment method for all amounts due and to place temporary preauthorization holds.

5. CANCELLATION POLICY

6. TIPPING

Tips are voluntary. 100% of tips go directly to the Driver.

7. SAFETY

BrighterConnect may conduct background checks and vehicle reviews as permitted by law; however, such checks are not guarantees of safety and do not create a duty to you beyond what is required by law.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

10. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

11. DMCA / COPYRIGHT POLICY

BrighterConnect respects intellectual property rights and expects its users to do the same.

Copyright Infringement Notices

If you believe that content on our platform infringes your copyright, you may submit a takedown notice containing:

1. A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized agent
2. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed
3. Identification of the material to be removed, with sufficient detail to locate it
4. Your contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
5. A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material is not authorized
6. A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notice is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

Send Notices To

DMCA Agent
BrighterConnect LLC
Email: dmca@brighterconnectrides.com

Counter-Notice

If you believe your content was wrongly removed, you may submit a counter-notice with your contact information, identification of the removed material, a statement under penalty of perjury that removal was a mistake, and consent to jurisdiction.

Repeat Infringers

BrighterConnect may terminate accounts of users who are repeat copyright infringers.