CommuteCloud user code of conduct

CommuteCloud is a community-driven carpooling platform. Our success depends not just on infrastructure or matching, but on how people treat one another. We ask all users—drivers and riders alike—to lead with empathy, grace, and a spirit of cooperation.

By using CommuteCloud, you agree to abide by this Code. Violations may lead to warnings, suspension, or removal from the platform.

Respect & Kindness

• Treat others as you’d like to be treated: with courtesy, patience, and dignity.
• Avoid insults, harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory remarks (on basis of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, etc.).
• Physical contact without consent is never allowed.
• If someone expresses a boundary (e.g. “I prefer quiet ride”), that preference is to be honored.

Safety & Compliance

• Obey all applicable traffic laws, vehicle regulations, and local rules.
• No driving while impaired (alcohol, drugs) or while distracted (e.g. texting without safe practices). 
• Use seatbelts and ensure all passengers do likewise (where required by law).
• Do not carry weapons (unless expressly allowed by law, with full disclosure and consent where required) while using the platform.
• Report unsafe behavior or threats immediately via CommuteCloud’s support channels.
   

Integrity & Accountability 

• Be honest in your communications, representations, and ratings.
• Don’t misrepresent who you are or what you’ll offer.
• Use the feedback/rating mechanisms in good faith. Don’t weaponize ratings unfairly.
• Cooperate with investigations of misconduct or disputes

Community Mindset

• Be generous with patience and understanding. Mistakes or miscommunications happen—seek clarification before assuming ill intent.
• When issues arise, escalate through the proper support channels rather than personal confrontation.
• Encourage a positive culture: flag abusive behavior, suggest improvements, provide constructive feedback.
• Recognize that as a community platform, rules and norms may evolve; your input is welcome.

Privacy & Boundaries

• Do not share or request private personal information (beyond what’s needed for the ride) unless mutually agreed and necessary.
• Unwanted contact (texts, calls, social media) should cease once the ride (or transaction) is complete unless both parties agree.
• Be considerate with phone conversations, music, or noise levels.

As a driver on CommuteCloud, you have special obligations since you’re hosting the ride.

Vehicle & Maintenance

• Maintain a clean, safe, comfortable vehicle (interior & exterior)
• Ensure regular servicing (brakes, tires, lights, safety equipment) so the car is safe for shared transport.
• Address mechanical issues proactively (don’t put riders at risk).

Punctuality & Reliability

• Depart no later than the agreed start time.
• Arrive at the pickup location at or before the scheduled time (unless delays occur).
• If you will be delayed, communicate promptly via the platform so riders can adjust.
• Don’t cancel arbitrarily or at the last minute, except for emergencies.

Ride Etiquette & Communication

• When offering rides, clearly state preferences (chatting vs quiet, music choices, stops, climate, etc.).
• Respect riders’ boundaries (if someone prefers silence, avoid forced small talk).
• Avoid taking unsafe shortcuts or deviating significantly from agreed route without permission.
• Ensure passengers’ safety first — e.g. don’t drive aggressively, tailgate, or use dangerous maneuvers.

Respect for Riders

• Treat every passenger equitably and respectfully, regardless of background or appearance.. 
• Don’t discriminate or refuse service based on protected traits
• Do not engage in harassment, unwanted advances, or discriminatory remarks.

Incident & Issue Handling

• If damage or mess (beyond normal wear) occurs, handle in a transparent manner (charge cleaning or repair fees only when justified). 
• If a conflict arises, de-escalate calmly; report to CommuteCloud support if needed.
• Keep records of agreements (e.g. pickup times, route, stops) within the platform for clarity and dispute resolution.

 As a rider, you’re sharing someone else’s time and space. Your cooperation matters.

Timeliness & Reliability

• Be at the agreed pickup station on or before the driver’s scheduled arrival.
• If you’re late and the driver arrives and waits 5 minutes, you may incur a late fee (per CommuteCloud policy).
• Avoid last-minute cancellations unless absolutely necessary; repeated no-shows may lead to loss of access.

Respect & Etiquette

• Respect driver and other riders’ preferences about chatting, music, climate, stops, etc.
• Keep the vehicle clean: no littering, strong odors, spills, or damage.
• Dress presentably (avoid extreme messiness) and avoid behaviors that degrade the shared space
• Don’t distract the driver unnecessarily (e.g. loud phone calls, disruptive behavior).

Safety & Compliance

• Use seatbelts.
• Don’t ask the driver to violate laws (e.g. speeding, unsafe maneuvers).
• Don’t transport illegal substances, weapons, or dangerous items.
• If you have a condition (mobility, service animal, equipment) that affects the ride, disclose early and coordinate.

Communication & Conflict

• If preferences or needs (for stops, route deviations, discomfort) arise, communicate politely and as early as possible.
• If you feel unsafe or disrespected, you may end the ride (within reason) and report the incident.
• Use the rating and feedback system responsibly; feedback should be honest, specific, and fair.

• Violations of the Code may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from CommuteCloud.
• Severe infractions (harassment, violence, illegal conduct) may lead to immediate deactivation.
• The platform should maintain a clear reporting mechanism, an internal review or moderation process, and transparent appeal paths.
• Where feasible, provide education or remediation—e.g. notifying users when behavior is problematic and giving chances to improve before banning.