Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Alterna Drive ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users, especially the families and students we serve. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services or visit our website.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you register for our services, request a ride, or contact us, we may collect:
- check_circleParent or guardian name, email address, and phone number
- check_circleStudent name, age, school, and any special transportation needs (e.g., IEP accommodations)
- check_circleHome address and pickup/drop-off locations
- check_circleSchool district administrator contact details
- check_circlePayment and billing information
Automatically Collected Information
When you use our website or services, we may automatically collect:
- check_circleDevice type, browser type, and operating system
- check_circleIP address and general location data
- check_circlePages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns
- check_circleGPS and real-time location data during active rides
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Service Delivery
Coordinating rides, route planning, real-time GPS tracking, and communicating schedule changes to guardians.
Safety & Compliance
Ensuring student safety, meeting IEP requirements, conducting driver background checks, and complying with applicable laws.
Communication
Responding to inquiries, sending ride confirmations, delay alerts, and important service updates.
Service Improvement
Analyzing usage patterns to improve routes, reduce wait times, and enhance overall service quality.
3. Children's Privacy
Protecting children's privacy is especially important to us. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
We only collect student information that is necessary to provide safe transportation services, and we do so with the consent of the parent, guardian, or school district. We do not use student data for advertising or marketing purposes.
Parents and guardians may review, update, or request deletion of their child's personal information at any time by contacting us.
4. Information Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- arrow_forwardSchool Districts: Sharing necessary student transit details with partnered school districts for coordination and compliance.
- arrow_forwardDrivers: Providing drivers with pickup/drop-off details and any special instructions needed to safely transport students.
- arrow_forwardService Providers: Working with trusted vendors solely on our behalf for payment processing, GPS tracking technology, and communication systems. These vendors are contractually prohibited from using your data for their own purposes or sharing it with any other parties.
- arrow_forwardLegal Requirements: Disclosing information when required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of students and our community.
Mobile Opt-In & SMS Consent
When you provide your mobile phone number and opt in to receive SMS or text message communications from Alterna Drive, your consent and opt-in information will not be shared with or sold to any third parties for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
Mobile opt-in data, including your phone number and the fact that you have opted in, is used exclusively by Alterna Drive to send you service-related messages such as ride confirmations, schedule updates, and safety alerts. We will never share your mobile opt-in consent with third parties or affiliates for purposes unrelated to delivering our transportation services.
5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:
Encryption
All data transmitted is encrypted using TLS/SSL protocols.
Access Controls
Strict role-based access ensuring only authorized personnel view sensitive data.
Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and regular security audits of our systems.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Student ride data is retained for the duration of the active service agreement with the school district, plus any period required by applicable regulations. You may request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal and contractual requirements.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- check_circleAccess: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- check_circleCorrection: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
- check_circleDeletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal requirements.
- check_circleOpt-Out: Opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
- check_circlePortability: Request your data in a portable, machine-readable format.
8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality and understand how our site is used. Essential cookies are required for the site to function properly. Analytics cookies help us improve our services. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. We do not use cookies for third-party advertising.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us: