Terms and Conditions for Vallo

1. Definitions

To ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity, the following terms are legally defined as used within this agreement:

• Platform: The Vallo consumer application, the Vallo driver application, the goshare carpooling feature, and all associated software, websites, and routing algorithms.
• User: Any individual who downloads, installs, registers, or accesses the Platform in any capacity.
• Passenger: A User requesting or utilizing a transportation service via the Commercial Fleet Module.
• Driver: An independent commercial transport operator (e.g., operating a Vikram, Trekker, or Magic Van) registered on the Platform.
• Carpool Giver: A private vehicle driver utilizing the goshare module to offer a ride for cost-sharing purposes.
• Co-Traveller: A User utilizing the goshare module to join a ride offered by a Carpool Giver.
• Commercial Trip: A transportation service fulfilled by a Driver using a commercially licensed vehicle.
• goshare Trip: A non-commercial, peer-to-peer carpooling journey facilitated through the goshare module.
• Ride / Booking: A confirmed request and subsequent acceptance for a Commercial Trip or goshare Trip via the Platform.
• Service Fee: The fee or commission collected by Vallo for providing the digital matchmaking, payment processing, and platform infrastructure.
• Force Majeure: Unforeseeable circumstances (including natural disasters, civil unrest, or government actions) that prevent a party from fulfilling contractual obligations.
• Applicable Law: All valid laws, statutes, rules, and regulations of the Republic of India and local state authorities (e.g., Uttarakhand).
• Active Trip: The temporal window commencing exactly when the passenger boards the vehicle (initiated in-app) and terminating upon alighting at the destination (completed in-app).

2. Eligibility and Unaccompanied Minors

• General Eligibility: All Users must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to register an account and independently utilize the Platform.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Vallo strictly prohibits unaccompanied minors from utilizing the Platform. Drivers and Carpool Givers reserve the right to refuse service if they suspect a User is underage and unaccompanied.
• Accompanied Minors: Minors may ride as Passengers or Co-Travellers strictly under the direct, physical supervision of a registered adult User. The adult User bears absolute legal and financial responsibility for the minor's conduct and safety during the Trip.

3. Account Registration and Security

• Single Account Policy: Users are permitted to maintain only one active account on the Platform. Duplicate accounts may be suspended or permanently banned.
• Information Accuracy: Users certify that all personal, payment, and vehicular information submitted during registration is accurate, current, and complete.
• Account Security: Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials, hardware devices, and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Vallo assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or unauthorized transactions arising from compromised account credentials or lost devices.

4. KYC, Identity, and Background Verification

• Driver and Carpool Giver Verification: To maintain platform integrity, commercial operators and carpool hosts must successfully complete rigorous verification protocols. This includes, but is not limited to: Aadhaar verification, PAN linkage, Driving License authentication, Vehicle Registration (RC) validation, live selfie verification, and applicable criminal background checks.
• Passenger Verification: Vallo reserves the right to request identity verification (e.g., live selfie or government ID) from any User or Passenger at any time to comply with safety mandates, resolve disputes, or satisfy regulatory requirements. Failure to provide verification upon request may result in immediate account suspension.

5. Data Privacy and Localization

• Regulatory Compliance: Vallo collects, processes, and protects personal data in strict compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Data Localization: All critical User and Driver data is stored securely on servers located within the Republic of India.
• Data Sharing: Vallo does not sell personal data to third parties. Data is shared with trusted third parties (e.g., payment gateways, insurance providers, cloud hosts) exclusively for fulfilling the core functionalities of the Platform.
• User Rights: Users retain the right to request access to their data or request account deletion via the Platform's privacy settings, subject to data retention mandates for law enforcement and tax compliance.

6. Communications Consent

• Transactional Communications: By creating an account, Users electronically consent to receive mandatory transactional communications from Vallo via SMS, email, phone calls, and push notifications. These include OTPs, ride status updates, driver communication, and digital receipts. Transactional communications cannot be opted out of while maintaining an active account.
• Marketing Communications: Users may receive promotional offers and platform updates. Users retain the right to opt out of marketing-specific communications at any time through their in-app account settings.

7. Permitted Use and Prohibited Conduct

• Permitted Use: The Platform is intended solely for facilitating legally permissible transportation and cost-sharing arrangements.
• Prohibited Items: While using the Platform or participating in a Trip, Users (including Drivers and Passengers) agree NOT to carry illegal, hazardous, flammable, or dangerous goods.
• Behavioral Standards: Users shall not consume alcohol, smoke (including e-cigarettes), or use illicit substances inside the vehicle. Engaging in verbally or physically abusive, threatening, sexually explicit, or discriminatory behavior toward any person is strictly prohibited.
• Platform Manipulation: Users must not engage in any activity that artificially inflates earnings, disrupts network efficiency, or compromises platform security. This includes, but is not limited to, self-matching rides, ride farming to trigger surge pricing, or using automated bots to accept bookings.

8. Network Access and Device Requirements

• Data and Network Costs: Users are responsible for obtaining the data network access necessary to use the Platform. Mobile network data and messaging rates and fees may apply.
• Device Compatibility: Users are responsible for acquiring and updating compatible hardware or devices necessary to access and use the Platform. Vallo does not guarantee that the Platform, or any portion thereof, will function on any particular hardware or devices.
• System Integrity: The Platform may be subject to malfunctions and delays inherent in the use of the Internet and electronic communications. Vallo holds no liability for service interruptions caused by outdated operating systems, insufficient device memory, or network outages.

9. Algorithmic Matchmaking and Automated Decisions

• Dynamic Pairing: Vallo utilizes proprietary algorithms to match Passengers with Drivers or Carpool Givers based on real-time factors including proximity, route efficiency, driver availability, and platform demand. Vallo does not guarantee a successful match or specific wait times.
• Automated Pricing: Fares and route calculations are entirely automated, relying on real-time traffic data, historical trends, and dynamic market demand.
• ETA Estimates: Any Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) displayed in the application is an algorithmic prediction and not a guaranteed timeline. Vallo is not liable for delays caused by traffic, road closures, or unforeseen diversions.

10. App Store and Third-Party Dependencies

• App Store Terms: These Terms are between you and Vallo, not with Apple Inc., Google LLC, or any other application distributor. Vallo, and not the app store providers, is solely responsible for the Platform and its content.
• Third-Party Services: The Platform integrates third-party services, including mapping interfaces (e.g., Google Maps API) and payment gateways. Vallo does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for the performance, accuracy, or reliability of any third-party products, content, or services.
• Mapping Liability: Routing and navigation suggestions are provided for convenience. Drivers remain ultimately responsible for obeying local traffic laws, street signs, and exercising safe driving judgment over algorithmic suggestions.

11. Account Suspension and Fraud Prevention

• Right to Suspend: Vallo reserves the unilateral right to suspend, restrict, or permanently terminate any User account without prior notice for breaches of these Terms.
• Fraud Protocols: Grounds for immediate termination include fraud, submission of altered documentation, payment manipulation, chargeback abuse, refusal to pay outstanding balances, or verified safety complaints.
• Prohibited Software: The use of fake GPS applications, location spoofing tools, system emulators, or operating the Platform on rooted/jailbroken devices is explicitly forbidden and will trigger automated account suspension.
• Financial Recourse: Vallo reserves the right to withhold, reverse, or claw back any earnings, incentives, or wallet credits obtained through fraudulent behavior, and to report such behavior to applicable law enforcement agencies.

12. Commercial Fleet Module

• Independent Contractor Status: Drivers operating commercial vehicles (e.g., Vikrams, Trekkers, Magic Vans) explicitly acknowledge that Vallo functions solely as a digital technology intermediary. Vallo is not an employer, joint venturer, or partner. Drivers retain absolute discretion to accept, decline, or ignore Ride requests.
• Commercial Compliance: Drivers must actively maintain all legally mandated commercial documentation. This includes, but is not limited to, a valid Commercial Driving License, active Route Permits relevant to their operational zones, Vehicle Fitness Certificates, and statutory Third-Party Liability insurance. Failure to maintain these documents will result in immediate platform suspension.
• Seating Capacity and Overloading: Drivers are strictly prohibited from exceeding the legally sanctioned seating capacity of their specific vehicle (such as the mandated "6+1" rule for certain Vikrams). Drivers bear sole legal, financial, and penal responsibility for any fines, accidents, or vehicle impoundments resulting from overloading or accepting off-platform ("street hail") passengers simultaneously with Platform bookings.

13. 'goshare' P2P Carpooling Module

• Non-Commercial Nature: The goshare module is strictly a non-commercial, peer-to-peer matching service designed solely for the reimbursement of trip-related expenses. Carpool Givers warrant that trips are personal in nature and that routes are pre-planned for their own purposes, not created for the primary intent of transporting Co-Travellers.
• Cost Contribution Limits: The Platform algorithmically enforces a maximum Cost Contribution ceiling. This ensures that the funds exchanged merely offset fuel, toll, and operational expenses. Carpool Givers are strictly prohibited from requesting additional cash outside the Platform or operating the vehicle for "hire or reward."
• Trip Limitations: To prevent commercial exploitation of the P2P module, Carpool Givers are algorithmically restricted to offering a maximum of two (2) goshare trips per calendar day.

14. Driver Equipment and Vehicle Standards

• Vehicle Maintenance: Drivers and Carpool Givers agree to maintain their vehicles in a safe, roadworthy, and clean condition that aligns with industry standards and statutory requirements. Vallo reserves the right to suspend vehicles that receive repeated user complaints regarding cleanliness or mechanical issues.
• Dashcams and Recording Devices: If a vehicle is equipped with an internal dashboard camera or audio recording device, the driver must comply with all applicable local privacy laws. Drivers must inform passengers of active internal recordings. Broadcasting, publishing, or digitally sharing passenger footage to social media or third parties without explicit written consent is strictly prohibited and constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

15. Accessibility and Service Animals

• Anti-Discrimination: Vallo enforces a strict anti-discrimination policy. Drivers and Carpool Givers may not refuse service to a passenger based on a disability or the passenger's use of mobility aids (e.g., foldable wheelchairs or walkers) that can safely fit within the vehicle's storage capacity.
• Service Animals: Drivers are legally required to accept passengers traveling with recognized service animals (such as guide dogs for the visually impaired) without imposing any additional cleaning fees or surcharges. Refusal to transport a service animal, absent a legally recognized and documented medical exemption (e.g., severe allergies documented by a physician and submitted to Vallo), may result in permanent removal from the Platform.

16. Fares, Dynamic Pricing, and Estimates

• Fare Calculation: Fares for Commercial Trips are dynamically calculated based on base rates, estimated distance, and estimated travel time.
• Dynamic and Surge Pricing: In periods of high demand, limited vehicle supply, or adverse weather conditions, fares may increase algorithmically ("Surge Pricing"). Passengers will be notified of any surge multipliers prior to confirming a booking.
• Estimates vs. Final Fares: Fares displayed prior to booking are estimates. The final fare may be adjusted if the route is significantly altered at the Passenger's request, if substantial wait times are incurred, or if unexpected detours are required.

17. Waiting Fees, Tolls, and Parking Charges

• Tolls and Municipal Taxes: Fares do not automatically include state border entry taxes, municipal tolls, or airport parking fees. Passengers are strictly responsible for these additional charges, which will be added to the final invoice unless explicitly stated otherwise in the application.
• Waiting Fees: A grace period applies once a Driver arrives at the designated pickup location. If the Passenger fails to board the vehicle within this timeframe, a per-minute waiting fee may be applied to the final fare to compensate the Driver for their time.

18. Cancellations, No-Shows, and Refund Policy

• Cancellation Windows: Passengers may cancel a requested ride without penalty within a designated grace period. Cancellations made after this window, or after the Driver has reached the pickup location, will incur a cancellation fee.
• Driver Compensation for No-Shows: If a Passenger fails to arrive at the pickup location and does not contact the Driver within the allotted wait time, the Driver may cancel the trip. The Passenger will be charged a no-show fee, which is passed on to the Driver.
• Refunds: All refund requests for disputed charges, incorrect routing, or incomplete trips are subject to Vallo's review. Eligible refunds will be credited to the original payment method or the User's platform wallet within 5 to 7 business days.

19. Payment Methods and Wallet Operations

• Payment Authorization: By adding a credit/debit card, UPI ID, or mobile wallet, Users authorize Vallo (via secure third-party payment gateways) to place temporary pre-authorization holds and to seamlessly collect final fares, cancellation fees, and outstanding balances.
• Negative Balances: If a payment method fails or a ride results in a negative wallet balance, Vallo reserves the right to suspend the User's booking privileges until the outstanding debt is settled. Future top-ups will automatically be applied to clear the negative balance.

20. Promotions, Referrals, and Loyalty Programs

• Promotional Limitations: Platform credits, discount coupons, and referral bonuses are promotional in nature. They are non-transferable, carry no fiat cash value, and cannot be withdrawn to a bank account.
• Revocation and Expiration: Promotional credits are subject to expiration dates. Vallo reserves the right to revoke, withhold, or cancel any promotional credits or referral bonuses if it suspects fraudulent activity, self-referral, or violation of the promotional terms.

21. Damage and Cleaning Fees

• Passenger Liability: Passengers are fully responsible for the cost of repair for damage to, or necessary cleaning of, vehicles resulting from their use of the Platform in excess of normal "wear and tear" (e.g., spilling food/drinks, vomiting, or tearing upholstery).
• Fee Assessment: In the event a Driver reports and provides verifiable photographic evidence of such damage or soiling, Vallo reserves the right to assess a reasonable damage or cleaning fee. This fee will be charged to the Passenger's designated payment method and transferred in full to the Driver.

22. Tax Liabilities and GST

• Inclusive Fares: Displayed fare estimates and Vallo's Service Fees are inclusive of applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) as mandated by Indian tax law.
• Driver Responsibilities: Drivers and Carpool Givers are solely and exclusively responsible for calculating, remitting, and filing all applicable local and national taxes related to their independent earnings. This includes Personal Income Tax and, where their specific annual turnover necessitates it, direct GST registration and compliance.

23. Insurance Coverage and Claims Protocol

• Active Trip Coverage: Trips facilitated by Vallo include a group domestic travel or personal accident insurance policy underwritten by a licensed third-party general insurer. Coverage strictly activates when the Active Trip begins (passenger boards and driver initiates the ride in-app) and terminates when the Active Trip is completed (passenger alights and driver ends the ride in-app).
• Exclusions: Standard insurance exclusions apply. Coverage will be denied for incidents involving User intoxication, substance abuse, intentional self-harm, criminal acts, and pre-existing medical conditions. The insurance policy covers bodily injury only and explicitly excludes loss or damage to personal property, luggage, or electronic devices.
• Claims Filing: Users must report any incident requiring an insurance claim to Vallo customer support within 24 hours of the occurrence. Vallo acts solely as a facilitator in connecting the User with the insurance provider; all claim approvals, investigations, and payouts are at the sole discretion of the third-party insurer.

24. Safety Measures and SOS Protocols

• In-App Safety Tools: The Platform features continuous GPS monitoring, live trip sharing capabilities allowing Users to share their route with trusted contacts, and an in-app SOS emergency button.
• SOS Activation: Activating the SOS button immediately alerts Vallo's dedicated safety response team and provides options to contact local emergency services. Misuse of the SOS feature for non-emergencies may result in account suspension.
• Law Enforcement Cooperation: Vallo maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against physical assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, and driving under the influence. Vallo will fully cooperate with local law enforcement and regulatory authorities in any investigation and will provide trip data, GPS logs, and User information when compelled by a valid legal request or warrant.

25. Lost and Found Policy

• Platform Non-Liability: Users are solely responsible for their personal belongings during a Trip. Vallo and its independent Drivers assume no liability for items left behind in a vehicle.
• Item Recovery: If a User forgets an item, they may use the Platform to contact the Driver for a limited time post-trip. If the Driver finds the item and agrees to return it, Vallo may facilitate a "Return Fee" charged to the User's payment method to fairly compensate the Driver for their time and fuel spent returning the property.

26. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

• Statutory Compliance: In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Vallo maintains a structured grievance redressal mechanism.
• Reporting Disputes: Users may report safety concerns, billing disputes, or platform issues to the designated Grievance Officer via the official support channels provided within the App and on the Vallo website.
• Resolution Timeline: Upon receiving a formal complaint, Vallo will acknowledge receipt within 24 hours. The grievance team will investigate and aim to resolve standard complaints within 7 to 15 business days, though complex safety or legal investigations may require additional time.

27. Intellectual Property and User Content

• Platform IP: The Platform, its source code, user interfaces, branding, logos, and Vallo's patented algorithmic routing and pricing models remain the exclusive Intellectual Property of Vallo. Users are expressly prohibited from reverse engineering, decompiling, automated data scraping, or creating derivative works based on the Platform.
• User Content: Any reviews, ratings, feedback, or media submitted by Users ("User Content") remains the property of the User. However, by submitting User Content, you grant Vallo a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, royalty-free license to use, copy, modify, distribute, and display such content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform across all media formats.

28. Disclaimers and "AS IS" Warranties

• Service Disclaimer: The Platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. Vallo explicitly disclaims all warranties and representations, express or implied, regarding the reliability, timeliness, quality, suitability, or safety of third-party transportation providers.
• Operational Guarantee: Vallo does not guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation of the Platform. Service may be subject to limitations, delays, and other problems inherent in the use of the internet and electronic communications.

29. Limitation of Liability

• Exclusion of Damages: To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, Vallo (including its directors, employees, and affiliates) shall not be liable for indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages. This includes, but is not limited to, personal injury, property damage, lost data, lost profits, or business interruption arising out of or related to your use of the Platform.
• Liability Cap: Under no circumstances shall Vallo's total aggregate liability to a User, arising from any ride, transaction, or platform use, exceed INR 1,000 or the total fare of the specific trip in dispute, whichever is lower.

30. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold Vallo and its officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal and attorney fees) arising out of or in connection with: (i) your use of the Platform or services obtained through your use of the Platform; (ii) your breach or violation of any of these Terms; (iii) Vallo's use of your User Content; or (iv) your violation of the rights of any third party, including Drivers, Co-Travellers, or pedestrians.

31. Force Majeure

Vallo shall not be held liable or responsible for any failure or delay in fulfilling its obligations under these Terms if such failure or delay is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, severe weather conditions, internet or telecommunications blackouts, civil unrest, riots, strikes, pandemics, or government mandates and curfews.

32. Modifications to Terms

Vallo reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time without prior individual notice. Changes will become effective immediately upon posting the updated Terms on the Platform or Vallo website. Your continued use of the Platform after such changes are posted constitutes your absolute and binding consent to the revised Terms.

33. Severability and Waiver

• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck or modified to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall be fully enforced and remain in full effect.
• Waiver: Vallo's failure or delay in enforcing any right, provision, or strict performance of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision in the future.

34. Governing Law, Arbitration, and Jurisdiction

• Governing Law: These Terms and any associated usage of the Platform are strictly governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of India.
• Dispute Resolution: Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of these Terms shall first be subject to a mandatory 30-day amicable settlement and mediation process.
• Arbitration: If unresolved through mediation, the dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
• Exclusive Jurisdiction: The legal seat and venue of arbitration, as well as the exclusive jurisdiction for any court interventions or appeals, shall rest solely with the competent courts located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.