Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what data the Stays and Rides GmbH application accesses and collects, why we collect it, how it is used and shared, and the choices you have. We are committed to being transparent about our handling of your data — including location data, which the app collects to power real-time ride tracking.

1. Who we are

The data controller responsible for the processing described in this policy is:

• Stays and Rides GmbH
• Registered address: Im Wiegenfeld 4, 85570 Markt Schwaben, Deutschland
• Represented by: Akram Mhamdi (Geschäftsführer)
• Privacy contact e-mail: contact@staysandrides.com
• Website: staysandrides.com

2. Scope & who uses the app

The Stays and Rides GmbH app is a companion tool for hotel stays, car and motorcycle rentals, airport transfers, and limousine services. It is used in three roles, each of which is granted access through a secure link rather than a personal login on the device:

• Drivers — update ride status and, during active limousine rides, share their live location.
• Passengers / clients — track their assigned limousine ride on a live map.
• Agencies / partners — follow the status of rides they have booked.

The app itself does not require you to create an account or enter a password; access is scoped to a specific booking via a secure, time-limited link.

3. Location data (detailed)

Because location is the most sensitive data the app handles, we describe it in full here.

3.1 What we collect

• Precise (GPS) location — latitude and longitude coordinates and a timestamp, obtained from your device's location services. On Android this corresponds to the ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, and ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION permissions; on iOS it corresponds to "While Using" and "Always" location access.

3.2 Foreground and background collection

During an active limousine ride, the app collects a driver's location both while the app is open and in the background. Background collection means location can be recorded when the app is minimised, when the driver is using another app, or when the device screen is off. This is necessary so that a driver can, for example, use their navigation app while the passenger continues to see the driver's position update. While background tracking is active, Android displays a persistent notification indicating that location is being used.

3.3 When it is collected — and when it is not

Location is collected only for drivers, and only during an active limousine ride — specifically once the driver sets their status to "On the way to pickup", "At pickup location", or "Guest on board". Collection stops automatically as soon as the ride is completed or the status leaves those states. The app does not collect location for passengers or agencies, and does not track drivers between rides.

3.4 How often

While tracking is active, the driver's coordinates are sent to our servers at most about once every 30 seconds.

3.5 Why we collect it (purpose)

The single purpose of location collection is real-time ride tracking: to display the driver's live position on a map to the assigned passenger and the booking agency, so they know the driver's whereabouts and estimated arrival during the ride. We also retain the route of a completed ride as part of that booking's operational record. Location data is not used for advertising, profiling, or any purpose unrelated to fulfilling the ride.

3.6 Who it is shared with

A driver's live and recorded location for a ride is visible to the passenger and the agency associated with that specific booking, via their secure booking link, and is stored on our servers (and our hosting provider's infrastructure) as described in Section 6. It is not shared with any other third party and is never sold.

3.7 Your control

• Before the app requests background location access, it shows an in-app disclosure explaining this collection, which you must accept to proceed.
• You can grant or deny location permission when prompted, and you can change or revoke it at any time in your device's system settings (Android: Settings → Apps → Stays and Rides GmbH → Permissions → Location; iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services).
• If you decline location access, ride tracking will not function, but you can still use the rest of the app.

4. Other data we access

Data / permission	Why
Camera & photos / media (CAMERA, READ_MEDIA_IMAGES)	Only when you choose to attach a photo or document (for example, proof of service) to a booking. We access the specific files you select; we do not scan your photo library.
Notifications (POST_NOTIFICATIONS)	To alert you about ride status changes and messages, and to show the persistent tracking notification during an active ride.
Booking & ride information you enter or view	Names, contact details, and ride details tied to the booking you are working with, so the app can display and update it.
Basic technical & connection data	Network state and standard technical information needed to connect to our servers reliably and to keep the app secure.

5. How we use data

• To provide real-time ride tracking (see Section 3).
• To display and update booking and ride status.
• To send you relevant notifications about a ride.
• To allow you to attach documents you choose to a booking.
• To operate, secure, and troubleshoot the service.

6. How data is shared

We share data only as needed to run the service:

• Between parties to a booking — a driver's ride status and, during an active ride, live location are shown to the passenger and agency for that booking.
• Service providers (processors) — we use trusted infrastructure providers to host our servers and deliver notifications. They process data on our behalf under contract and may not use it for their own purposes.
• Legal requirements — we may disclose data where required by law or to protect our rights and the safety of users.

We do not sell your personal data or share it for advertising.

7. Legal basis (GDPR)

Where the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies, we process data on the following bases: performance of, or steps toward, a contract (fulfilling and coordinating a ride); your consent (for example, when you grant location or camera permission, which you may withdraw at any time); and our legitimate interests in operating and securing the service.

8. Data retention

We keep booking and ride data — including a completed ride's recorded route — for as long as needed to provide the service and to meet legal and business record-keeping obligations. Location route points are tied to their booking and are deleted when the associated booking is deleted. We do not retain location data beyond what is needed for these purposes.

9. Data security

Data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS) and stored on access-controlled servers. Access within our organisation is limited to those who need it to operate the service. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data.

10. Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data, to object to certain processing, to data portability, and to withdraw consent. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 13. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

11. Children

The app is a professional tool intended for adults and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be highlighted where appropriate.

13. Contact us

If you have questions about this policy or how your data is handled, contact:

• Stays and Rides GmbH
• E-mail: contact@staysandrides.com
• Postal address: Im Wiegenfeld 4, 85570 Markt Schwaben, Deutschland
• Website: staysandrides.com