Driver Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By registering as a driver partner, accessing, or using Safaari's driver platform (including our mobile application and services), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, our Privacy Policy, and any additional policies or guidelines we may provide. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Safaari.

2. Driver Eligibility and Registration

2.1 Eligibility Requirements

To become a Safaari driver partner, you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driving license for the vehicle type you intend to operate
• Have a valid vehicle registration certificate
• Possess valid vehicle insurance (comprehensive or third-party as applicable)
• Have a valid vehicle permit for commercial use (if required by local regulations)
• Pass background checks and verification processes
• Meet vehicle age and condition requirements
• Have a smartphone compatible with the Safaari driver app

2.2 Registration Process

To register as a driver, you must:

• Complete the driver registration form with accurate information
• Submit required documents (license, registration, insurance, permits, etc.)
• Undergo background verification and vehicle inspection
• Complete driver orientation and training (if required)
• Agree to these Terms and Conditions

2.3 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your driver account credentials and for all activities under your account. You must immediately notify Safaari of any unauthorized use of your account.

2.4 Ongoing Requirements

You must maintain:

• Valid and current licenses, permits, and insurance
• Vehicle in good working condition
• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Minimum rating standards as set by Safaari

3. Independent Contractor Relationship

3.1 Independent Contractor Status

You acknowledge and agree that you are an independent contractor providing transportation services to riders. You are not an employee, agent, or representative of Safaari. This agreement does not create an employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture between you and Safaari.

3.2 Your Business

As an independent contractor, you:

• Operate your own transportation business
• Set your own working hours and schedule
• Are responsible for your own taxes and statutory obligations
• Provide your own vehicle, fuel, and maintenance
• Are free to use other platforms or provide services independently

3.3 No Employment Benefits

As an independent contractor, you are not entitled to employee benefits including but not limited to health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, or workers' compensation from Safaari.

4. Vehicle Requirements

4.1 Vehicle Standards

Your vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Bike Taxi: Valid registration, insurance, and permit (if required). Vehicle must be in good condition with proper safety features.
• Auto Rickshaw: Valid registration, insurance, and commercial permit. Vehicle must meet local auto-rickshaw standards.
• Car: Valid registration, insurance, and commercial permit (if required). Vehicle must be clean, well-maintained, and meet age requirements.

4.2 Vehicle Condition

Your vehicle must be:

• In good mechanical condition
• Clean and presentable
• Equipped with required safety features
• Compliant with emission standards
• Free from damage that affects safety or appearance

4.3 Vehicle Inspection

Safaari may require periodic vehicle inspections to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. You must maintain your vehicle in compliance with these standards at all times.

5. Service Standards and Conduct

5.1 Professional Conduct

You agree to:

• Provide safe, courteous, and professional service to all riders
• Follow all traffic laws and regulations
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor
• Respect rider privacy and confidentiality
• Not discriminate against riders based on race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics
• Not engage in any illegal activities

5.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Use drugs or alcohol while providing services
• Smoke in vehicles while transporting riders
• Engage in violent, threatening, or abusive behavior
• Solicit tips or additional payments beyond the agreed fare
• Cancel rides without valid reasons
• Accept rides outside the Safaari platform
• Share your driver account with others
• Use the platform for any illegal purposes

5.3 Service Area

Safaari services are available in Coimbatore and Ooty districts. You may only accept rides within the designated service areas. Cross-border rides may be subject to additional terms.

6. Ride Acceptance and Completion

6.1 Ride Requests

When you receive a ride request through the Safaari app, you may accept or decline it at your discretion. However, frequent cancellations or declining rides may affect your driver rating and access to the platform.

6.2 Ride Completion

You agree to:

• Proceed directly to the pickup location upon accepting a ride
• Wait a reasonable time for the rider at the pickup location
• Transport riders safely to their destination via the most efficient route
• Complete the ride through the app
• Collect payment as agreed (cash or cashless)

6.3 Cancellation Policy

You may cancel a ride only for valid reasons such as rider no-show, safety concerns, or emergency situations. Excessive cancellations may result in penalties or account suspension.

7. Pricing and Payments

7.1 Fare Structure

Safaari sets the fare structure for rides. Fares are calculated based on distance, time, ride type, demand, and applicable factors. You will receive a portion of the fare as compensation for your services.

7.2 Commission and Fees

Safaari charges a commission on each completed ride. The commission rate will be disclosed to you during registration and may be updated with prior notice. Additional fees may apply for platform usage, technology services, or other services provided by Safaari.

7.3 Payment Processing

For cashless payments, Safaari processes payments on your behalf. Your earnings (after commission and fees) will be transferred to your registered bank account according to the payment schedule. For cash rides, you collect payment directly from riders.

7.4 Payment Schedule

Earnings from cashless rides are typically processed and transferred on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, subject to our payment terms. You are responsible for providing accurate bank account information for payments.

7.5 Taxes

You are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on your earnings. Safaari may provide tax documents as required by law, but you are responsible for your own tax obligations.

8. Insurance and Liability

8.1 Vehicle Insurance

You must maintain valid vehicle insurance (comprehensive or third-party as applicable) that covers your vehicle and passengers during rides. You are responsible for ensuring your insurance coverage is adequate and current.

8.2 Liability

You are solely responsible for any accidents, injuries, damages, or losses that occur during rides you provide. Safaari is not liable for any claims arising from your provision of transportation services.

8.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Safaari, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your provision of services, violation of these terms, or any acts or omissions.

9. Ratings and Reviews

Riders may rate and review your service after each ride. Your driver rating affects your visibility on the platform and access to ride requests. You must maintain a minimum rating as specified by Safaari. Low ratings or negative reviews may result in warnings, training requirements, or account suspension.

10. Data and Technology

10.1 Use of Technology

You agree to use the Safaari driver app and technology platform only for its intended purpose of connecting with riders. You may not reverse engineer, modify, or interfere with the platform's functionality.

10.2 Location Data

The Safaari app collects location data to facilitate ride matching and tracking. You consent to the collection and use of location data as described in our Privacy Policy.

10.3 Data Ownership

All data collected through the Safaari platform, including ride data, ratings, and usage information, is owned by Safaari and may be used for business purposes, analytics, and service improvement.

11. Intellectual Property

The Safaari platform, including the driver app, logos, trademarks, and all related technology, is owned by Safaari or its licensors. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the platform solely for providing transportation services. You may not use Safaari's intellectual property for any other purpose without written consent.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your driver partnership at any time by providing written notice to Safaari and ceasing to use the platform. Outstanding payments will be processed according to our payment schedule.

12.2 Termination by Safaari

Safaari may suspend or terminate your driver account immediately, without prior notice, if you:

• Violate these Terms and Conditions
• Engage in fraudulent, illegal, or unsafe conduct
• Fail to maintain required licenses, permits, or insurance
• Receive consistently low ratings or negative reviews
• Fail to meet minimum service standards
• For any other reason at Safaari's sole discretion

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your access to the driver platform will immediately cease. You must return any Safaari-branded materials and delete the driver app. All provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive.

13. Modifications to Terms

Safaari reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. We will notify you of material changes by posting updated terms on our platform and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the platform after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

14.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms or your driver partnership shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

14.3 Dispute Resolution Process

Before initiating any legal proceedings, you agree to first contact Safaari to attempt to resolve the dispute amicably through our driver support channels.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Safaari regarding your driver partnership.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

The failure of Safaari to enforce any right or provision of these terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these terms or your driver account without Safaari's prior written consent. Safaari may assign these terms without restriction.