Terms of Service

2.1 Platform Description

gaja is an online marketplace and technology platform that enables individuals seeking rides (“Riders”) to post ride requests and individuals willing to provide rides (“Drivers”) to browse those requests and submit offers. gaja facilitates communication, offer negotiation, and payment processing between Riders and Drivers.

2.2 gaja Is a Marketplace, Not a Transportation Provider

gaja does not provide transportation services.

gaja does not own or operate any vehicles. gaja does not employ, contract, dispatch, or supervise any Drivers. gaja does not set or control ride prices, routes, schedules, or the manner in which any ride is performed. gaja does not guarantee the availability, quality, safety, legality, or suitability of any ride or any Driver.

gaja functions as a neutral marketplace — analogous to a classified listings service — where Riders and Drivers connect, negotiate, and transact independently. All rides arranged through the Platform are transactions between individual Riders and individual Drivers. gaja is not a party to any ride arrangement, transportation agreement, or contract for services between Riders and Drivers.

2.3 No Agency, Employment, or Partnership

Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, agency, partnership, joint venture, or franchise between gaja and any user. Drivers are independent individuals acting on their own behalf. gaja does not direct, control, or supervise Drivers’ activities, including when or whether they make themselves available, which ride requests they view or respond to, what prices they offer, or how they conduct themselves.

2.4 No Endorsement or Guarantee

The presence of a Driver’s profile, rating, background check status, insurance status, or any other information on the Platform does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, guarantee, or warranty by gaja regarding that Driver’s fitness, safety, qualifications, reliability, or the quality of any ride. All such information is provided for informational purposes only. gaja does not independently verify the ongoing accuracy, completeness, or currency of information provided by Drivers or any third party, except as expressly stated.

3.1 General Eligibility

To create an account and use the Platform, you must be at least 18 years of age and legally capable of forming a binding contract. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

3.2 Driver Eligibility

Drivers may be subject to additional eligibility criteria, which may include a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle inspection, personal automobile insurance, and background check clearance. gaja reserves the right to establish, modify, and enforce Driver eligibility requirements at any time. Meeting eligibility criteria at one point does not guarantee continued access to the Platform.

3.3 Account Restrictions

gaja reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate any account for any reason, including violation of these Terms, safety concerns, fraud, or legal compliance.

5.1 Ride Requests

Riders may post ride requests specifying pickup location, destination, preferred timing, and other preferences. Ride requests are visible to Drivers on the Platform. Posting a ride request does not guarantee that any Driver will respond or that a ride will be arranged.

5.2 Offers and Negotiation

Drivers may view ride requests and submit offers specifying a price they are willing to accept. Riders may accept, decline, or counter any offer at their sole discretion. Drivers may accept, decline, or re-offer in response to counters. All pricing is determined solely by the parties involved — gaja does not set, suggest, mandate, or control ride prices.

5.3 Ride Confirmation

A ride is confirmed only when both the Rider and Driver have agreed to the terms of the offer through the Platform. Confirmation creates an arrangement solely between the Rider and the Driver. gaja is not a party to this arrangement.

5.4 No Guaranteed Rides

gaja does not guarantee that ride requests will receive offers, that offers will be accepted, that confirmed rides will be completed, or that any particular outcome will occur. The Platform depends on the voluntary participation of independent users.

6.1 Assumption of Risk

By using the platform to arrange a ride, you acknowledge and agree that you are voluntarily choosing to ride with an independent individual who is not an employee, agent, or representative of gaja. You assume all risks associated with such rides, including but not limited to risks of personal injury, death, property damage, and property loss.

You acknowledge that:

• gaja has not represented that any Driver is safe, qualified, insured, licensed, or suitable to provide transportation;
• The information available on a Driver’s profile (including but not limited to background check status, insurance status, vehicle information, ratings, and reviews) is provided for your convenience and informational purposes only, and gaja does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or currency;
• You are solely responsible for evaluating available information and deciding whether to accept a ride from any particular Driver;
• You are voluntarily entering the vehicle of a private individual, and you do so at your own risk;
• gaja does not inspect vehicles, verify driving records on an ongoing basis, or monitor rides in progress.

6.2 Rider Responsibilities

As a Rider, you agree to:

• Provide accurate pickup and destination information;
• Be present and ready at the agreed pickup location and time;
• Treat Drivers with respect and courtesy;
• Comply with all applicable laws, including seatbelt laws;
• Not engage in any illegal, dangerous, threatening, or harassing conduct during a ride;
• Maintain a valid payment method on your account.

6.3 Pricing, Fees, and Payment

When you accept an offer from a Driver, you agree to pay the total amount displayed in the Platform, which includes the Driver’s fare and a platform service fee charged by gaja. The platform service fee is gaja’s compensation for providing and maintaining the Platform. Prices are displayed before you accept an offer.

Additional charges may apply in certain circumstances, including cancellation fees and no-show fees, as described in Section 6.4 and 6.5. You authorize gaja to charge your saved payment method for all amounts owed.

6.4 Cancellations by Riders

You may cancel a confirmed ride through the Platform. Cancellation fees are based on proximity to the scheduled pickup time and are designed to compensate for the Driver’s lost opportunity:

• 24+ hours before pickup: Full refund, no fee.
• 2–24 hours before pickup: 25% of the ride fare is retained.
• 30 minutes–2 hours before pickup: 50% of the ride fare is retained.
• Less than 30 minutes before pickup: No refund. Full amount retained.

6.5 No-Shows

If a Driver arrives at the pickup location and you fail to appear within the designated waiting period (currently 5 minutes), the Driver may mark the ride as a no-show. In the event of a no-show, no refund will be issued. The full ride amount will be retained.

7.1 Independent Status

You acknowledge and agree that you are an independent individual using the Platform to connect with potential Riders. You are not an employee, agent, contractor, partner, or franchisee of gaja. gaja does not direct or control your activities. You determine your own schedule, which ride requests to respond to, what prices to offer, the route to take, and all other aspects of how you provide rides.

You are solely responsible for your own taxes, insurance, vehicle maintenance, fuel, licensing, and all other costs associated with your activities. gaja will not provide workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, health insurance, or any other employee benefits.

7.2 Driver Representations and Warranties

By registering as a Driver, you represent and warrant that:

• You possess a valid driver’s license for the jurisdiction in which you operate;
• You have the legal right to operate the vehicle you register with the Platform;
• Your vehicle is properly registered, inspected (where required), and maintained in safe operating condition;
• You maintain personal automobile insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of applicable law, and that you understand gaja does not provide insurance coverage for rides arranged through the Platform;
• You will comply with all applicable traffic laws and regulations;
• You will not operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or any other condition;
• All information you provide to gaja is accurate, complete, and current;
• You understand that the information you choose to share or not share on your profile is visible to Riders and will inform their decisions.

7.3 Background Checks and Safety Information

gaja may offer Drivers the option to submit to background checks or to share safety-related information through the Platform. The availability, display, and verified status of such information is for informational purposes for Riders and does not constitute a certification, endorsement, or guarantee by gaja.

gaja does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any background check results, insurance status, or other safety information.

Background check results reflect only the information available to the background check provider at the time the check was conducted. A cleared background check does not mean a Driver is safe or suitable. Riders are advised to review all available information and exercise their own judgment before accepting any ride.

7.4 Earnings, Fees, and Payouts

When a Rider accepts your offer, the Rider is charged the total amount (Driver fare plus gaja platform fee). Your earnings are the fare you offered. gaja’s platform service fee is separate from and in addition to your fare.

Earnings are disbursed through our third-party payment processor (currently Stripe). You must complete the payment onboarding process before you can receive earnings. Payout timing, methods, and any associated fees are described in the Platform.

7.5 Cancellations by Drivers

Drivers may cancel a confirmed ride through the Platform. No fee is assessed to the Driver for cancellations. However, excessive cancellations may result in reduced visibility on the Platform or account restrictions. If a Driver cancels a confirmed ride, the Rider will receive a full refund.

8.1 Platform Service Fee

gaja charges a platform service fee on each completed ride. This fee is added to the Driver’s fare and is included in the total amount displayed to the Rider. The current fee structure is available in the Platform. gaja reserves the right to modify the fee structure with reasonable notice.

8.2 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through third-party payment processors. By using the Platform, you agree to the terms and policies of the applicable payment processor. gaja does not store full credit card numbers or banking credentials.

8.3 Payment Authorization

By adding a payment method to your account, you authorize gaja to charge that payment method for all amounts owed in connection with your use of the Platform, including ride fares, platform fees, cancellation fees, no-show fees, and any other charges described in these Terms.

8.4 Refunds

Refunds are processed in accordance with the cancellation and no-show policies described in Sections 6.4 and 6.5. For Driver cancellations, Riders receive a full refund. All refund decisions are final. Refunds are returned to the original payment method and may take 5–10 business days to appear.

10.1 Rating System

The Platform may include a rating and review system. Ratings and reviews reflect the subjective opinions of individual users and do not represent the views or endorsements of gaja. gaja does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any rating or review.

10.2 gaja Score

Drivers may receive a gaja Score, which is a composite metric based on factors such as profile completeness, background check status, insurance status, and ratings. The gaja Score is provided for informational purposes to assist Riders in making informed decisions.

The gaja Score is not a safety rating, endorsement, or certification by gaja. A high gaja Score does not guarantee a safe, reliable, or satisfactory ride experience.

11.1 Emergencies

In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on the Platform for emergency assistance.

11.2 Incident Reporting

You should promptly report safety incidents, accidents, complaints, or concerns through the Platform or by contacting info@ridegaja.com. gaja may investigate reports and take action as it deems appropriate, but gaja is under no obligation to resolve disputes between users.

11.3 No Safety Guarantee

gaja does not guarantee your safety.

While gaja may implement features designed to promote safety and trust (such as profile photos, background check options, ratings, and in-app communication), these features do not eliminate risk. You are responsible for your own safety and for exercising reasonable judgment when using the Platform.

12.1 gaja’s Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, features, content, trademarks, logos, and software, is owned by or licensed to gaja and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not use gaja’s trademarks or branding without prior written permission.

12.2 User Content

If you submit content through the Platform (such as profile information, messages, reviews, photos, or feedback), you grant gaja a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, and display that content in connection with operating and improving the Platform. You represent that you have the right to submit any content you provide. Feedback may be used without compensation or attribution.

15.1 “As Is” and “As Available”

The Platform and all content, features, and services provided through the Platform are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, gaja disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and any warranties arising from course of dealing or usage of trade.

15.2 No Warranty Regarding Rides

gaja makes no warranty or representation regarding the quality, safety, legality, suitability, or availability of any ride, Driver, Rider, or vehicle. gaja does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

15.3 No Warranty Regarding User Information

gaja does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or currency of any information provided by users, including but not limited to profile information, background check status, insurance status, vehicle information, ratings, reviews, or any other user-generated content.

15.4 Transportation Disclaimer

gaja is a technology platform and does not provide transportation services. Any transportation services arranged through the Platform are provided by independent individuals using their own vehicles. gaja is not responsible for the acts, omissions, or conduct of any Driver or Rider.

16.1 Exclusion of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall gaja, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, or licensors be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, arising out of or in connection with your use of or inability to use the Platform, any ride arranged through the Platform, or any conduct or content of any user or third party.

16.2 Cap on Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, gaja’s total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) the amounts you paid to gaja in platform service fees during the six (6) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim, or (b) one hundred dollars ($100).

16.3 Basis of the Bargain

The limitations and exclusions in this section apply regardless of the theory of liability and even if gaja has been advised of the possibility of such damages. These limitations are an essential element of the agreement between you and gaja.

16.4 Jurisdictional Limitations

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, the limitations above shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

19.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any formal proceeding, you agree to attempt to resolve any dispute with gaja informally by contacting info@ridegaja.com and providing a written description of the dispute. gaja will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 60 days.

19.2 Binding Arbitration

You and gaja agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved exclusively through binding individual arbitration, rather than in court, except that either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement of intellectual property rights.

Arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules then in effect. The arbitration shall take place in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or, at your election, by telephone, videoconference, or written submission. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding.

19.3 Class Action and Jury Trial Waiver

You and gaja agree that each party may bring claims against the other only in your or its individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, consolidated, or representative action. Unless both you and gaja agree in writing, no arbitrator or judge may consolidate more than one person’s claims.

You and gaja each waive the right to a trial by jury.

19.4 Opt-Out

You may opt out of this arbitration agreement by sending written notice to info@ridegaja.com within 30 days of first accepting these Terms. Your notice must include your name, email address, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out. If you opt out, disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

19.5 Severability of Arbitration Clause

If any portion of this Section 19 is found to be unenforceable, the remainder shall continue to apply. If the class action waiver in Section 19.3 is found to be unenforceable, the entire arbitration agreement shall be void (but the rest of these Terms shall remain in effect).

20.1 By gaja

gaja may suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, including but not limited to situations where gaja believes you have violated these Terms, pose a safety risk, have engaged in fraudulent activity, or for legal or regulatory compliance.

20.2 By You

You may stop using the Platform at any time. You may request deletion of your account through the Platform or by contacting info@ridegaja.com. Account deletion is subject to the data retention provisions of our Privacy Policy.

20.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including but not limited to Sections 2, 6.1, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21) shall survive.

22.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and gaja regarding the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

22.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

22.3 Waiver

The failure of gaja to enforce any right or provision shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

22.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without gaja’s prior written consent. gaja may assign these Terms without restriction.

22.5 Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Terms.