🛡️ Privacy Policy for Cholo – University Bus Schedule Viewer & Tracker

Effective Date: October 27, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Cholo – University Bus Schedule Viewer & Tracker (“Cholo”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile application.
By using the app, you agree to the terms of this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the data necessary for app functionality and safety:

a. Account Information

Name
Email address
Role (Student, Employee, or Driver)
Route information
Password (securely hashed, never stored in plain text)

b. Device Information

Device ID (for notification delivery and session security)
Notification token (to send bus or route updates)

c. Location Data

Location access is essential to provide real-time bus tracking and route-based features.

Foreground Location Access

When the app is open, we use your location to: - Display your position on the map
- Track buses in real time
- Enable route-based navigation and trip monitoring

Background Location Access

With your permission, we may access your location even when the app is not active to: - Allow bus drivers to share live location during trips
- Maintain continuous updates for students and employees tracking buses

You can enable or disable location permissions anytime in your device settings. Disabling background access may limit real-time tracking features.

3. Permissions Used

Permission	Purpose
ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION	To get precise location for real-time tracking
ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION	To obtain approximate location when high accuracy is unavailable
ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION	To continue sharing or updating location even when the app is not in use (for drivers or ongoing trips)
FOREGROUND_SERVICE	To keep location tracking active while running in the foreground
FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION	To enable location-based foreground tasks with a notification
WAKE_LOCK	To ensure continuous operation during active tracking
INTERNET	To send and receive app data securely
ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE	To detect internet connectivity before updating location or schedules

We never request or use permissions beyond what is required for the app’s functionality.

4. How We Use the Information

Your information is used to: - Authenticate user accounts
- Display bus schedules and routes
- Share live bus locations for tracking
- Send notifications about bus arrivals or updates
- Improve reliability and performance of the service

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.

5. Data Security and Retention

All communication between your device and our servers is protected using secure, encrypted protocols.
Passwords and sensitive data are encrypted before storage.
Only authorized users and administrators can access limited system data.
Data is retained only as long as your account is active. When deleted, related data is permanently removed within 30 days.

We do not share personal data with third parties, except: - When legally required by authorities
- For essential services such as notifications or map display (all compliant with data protection laws)

7. User Control and Choices

You can: - Update or delete your account at any time
- Disable location or notification permissions in your device settings
- Request data deletion or correction by contacting us

8. Children’s Privacy

This app is intended for university students and employees (18+).
We do not knowingly collect data from individuals under 13 years of age.

9. Policy Updates

We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy.
All changes will be posted here with a revised “Effective Date.”

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us:
📧 mohammad.musa.dev@gmail.com
👤 Developer: Mohammad Musa
🌐 App: Cholo – University Bus Schedule Viewer & Tracker