Safety Guidelines
Last Updated: February 12, 2025
At HopNGo, safety is our top priority. These Safety Guidelines outline the steps we take to help ensure a safe experience for all users of our platform, as well as the expectations we have for both riders and drivers to contribute to a safe environment.
We are committed to continuously improving our safety features and policies. These guidelines are regularly updated to reflect our latest safety measures and best practices.
1. Our Safety Approach
HopNGo's approach to safety encompasses three key areas:
- Before the Ride: We implement comprehensive screening processes for drivers, provide clear rider and driver identification, and offer ride planning tools.
- During the Ride: We provide GPS tracking, share ride details with trusted contacts, and offer emergency assistance features.
- After the Ride: We maintain a two-way rating system, collect feedback, and continuously monitor and improve our safety features.
Our commitment to safety extends beyond the app features. We work with safety experts, law enforcement, and community organizations to develop policies and features that help protect our entire community.
2. Rider Safety Guidelines
As a rider, you can help ensure a safe experience by following these guidelines:
Before Your Ride
- Request Your Ride Inside: Wait indoors until the app shows your driver has arrived.
- Verify Your Ride: Before getting in the car, check that the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo match what's shown in your app.
- Ask the Driver to Confirm Your Name: Your driver should know your name before you enter the vehicle. If they don't, do not get in.
- Share Your Trip Details: Use the "Share Status" feature in the app to share your trip details with a friend or family member.
- Ride in the Back Seat: If you're riding alone, sit in the back seat when possible. This gives you and your driver personal space.
During Your Ride
- Wear Your Seat Belt: Always buckle up, no matter where you're sitting in the vehicle.
- Follow the Route: You can follow along in the app to make sure your driver is taking the expected route.
- Be Respectful: Treat your driver and their vehicle with respect. Harassment or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.
- Keep Personal Information Private: There's no need to share your phone number or other personal contact details with your driver.
After Your Ride
- Provide Feedback: Rate your driver and provide feedback about your trip. This helps us maintain a safe platform.
- Report Safety Issues: If you experienced any safety concerns during your ride, report them to HopNGo immediately through the app or by contacting customer support.
- Check for Belongings: Make sure you have all your belongings before exiting the vehicle.
3. Driver Safety Guidelines
As a driver, your safety is equally important. Here are guidelines to help ensure your safety while using the HopNGo platform:
Before the Ride
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition with regular maintenance checks.
- Verify Rider Identity: Confirm the rider's name before starting the trip. If the person requesting the ride isn't the account holder, you may refuse the ride.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When arriving at a pickup location, be mindful of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas when possible.
- Keep Your Doors Locked: Until you've verified your rider, keep your doors locked.
During the Ride
- Follow Traffic Laws: Always obey traffic laws, including speed limits, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Use Hands-Free Devices: If you need to use your phone for navigation, use a mount and hands-free options.
- Be Professional: Maintain professionalism with all riders. Harassment or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.
- Follow the App's Navigation: Unless the rider requests a specific route, follow the navigation provided in the app.
- Take Breaks: If you're driving for extended periods, take regular breaks to rest and stay alert.
After the Ride
- Rate Your Rider: Provide honest feedback about your experience with the rider.
- Report Safety Concerns: If you experienced any safety issues during the ride, report them immediately through the app or by contacting HopNGo support.
- Check Your Vehicle: After completing a ride, check your vehicle for any items the rider may have left behind.
4. Community Guidelines
To maintain a respectful and safe environment for everyone, all members of the HopNGo community are expected to adhere to these guidelines:
- No Discrimination: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of race, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.
- No Harassment: Do not engage in unwanted contact, inappropriate comments, or any form of harassment.
- No Weapons: Weapons of any kind are not allowed during HopNGo rides, regardless of local laws or permits.
- No Illegal Substances: The use or possession of illegal drugs during rides is prohibited.
- No Alcohol Consumption: Open containers or consumption of alcohol during rides is not permitted.
- No Criminal Activity: Using HopNGo for any criminal activity is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal from the platform.
Violations of these guidelines may result in loss of access to the HopNGo platform for both riders and drivers.
5. Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency during a HopNGo ride:
- Call Emergency Services: If you're in immediate danger, call 911 (or your local emergency number) first.
- Use the Emergency Button: The HopNGo app includes an emergency button that will connect you with emergency services and share your trip details, including your location.
- Contact HopNGo Support: After contacting emergency services, report the incident to HopNGo support as soon as possible.
For non-emergency safety concerns or incidents, please report them through the app or by contacting our customer support team.
6. Safety Features
HopNGo offers several features designed to enhance safety:
- Trip Sharing: Share your trip details and real-time location with trusted contacts.
- Two-Way Ratings: Both riders and drivers rate each other after each trip, helping to maintain community standards.
- GPS Tracking: All rides are tracked using GPS technology, creating a record of your trip route.
- Anonymous Communication: Contact between riders and drivers through the app doesn't reveal personal phone numbers.
- Support: Our customer support team is available around the clock to assist with safety concerns.
- Driver Background Checks: All drivers undergo background checks before being approved to drive with HopNGo.
- Insurance Coverage: All rides on the HopNGo platform are covered by our insurance policy during the active trip.
We continuously work to improve these features and add new ones to enhance the safety of our platform.
7. Reporting Safety Incidents
If you experience a safety incident or notice a violation of our safety guidelines:
- Use the "Report" option in the app after your ride.
- Select the appropriate issue category and provide as much detail as possible.
- Our safety team will review your report and take appropriate action.
- For urgent safety concerns, contact our safety team directly at safety@hopngo.ca or call our safety hotline at 613-780-5520.
We take all safety reports seriously and investigate them thoroughly. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident, we may temporarily suspend accounts during investigations.
8. Safety Tips for Nighttime Rides
Extra precautions should be taken for rides during nighttime hours:
- For Riders:
- Wait indoors until your driver arrives.
- Confirm your driver's identity before entering the vehicle.
- Share your trip status with a friend or family member.
- Sit in the back seat when traveling alone.
- Be aware of your surroundings when being dropped off.
- For Drivers:
- Keep your doors locked until you've confirmed your rider's identity.
- Park in well-lit areas when possible.
- Consider using a dashcam for additional security (where legally permitted).
- Take regular breaks to stay alert during long shifts.
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, it's okay to cancel the ride.
9. COVID-19 Safety Measures
To help protect against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, we recommend the following practices:
- For All Users:
- Stay home if you're feeling unwell.
- Wash or sanitize your hands before and after each ride.
- Consider wearing a mask during rides, especially if you have symptoms of illness.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
- For Drivers:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your vehicle regularly.
- Keep hand sanitizer available for personal use and for riders.
- Consider keeping windows slightly open to improve air circulation when weather permits.
- Follow any local health authority guidelines regarding ride-sharing services.
These recommendations may change based on public health guidance. Please check the app for the most current COVID-19 safety information.
10. Contact Information
For safety-related questions or concerns, please contact us through one of the following channels:
Safety Team Email: safety@hopngo.ca
Safety Hotline: 613-780-5520
General Support: support@hopngo.ca
Emergency: In case of emergency, always call 911 (or your local emergency number) first.