Last Updated: 25 August 2025
1. Introduction and Scope
Welcome to Bus Services, the community mobile application for accessing bus service information.
At Bus Services ("we," "us," or "our"), your privacy matters. We are committed to handling your personal information responsibly, transparently, and in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable laws.
This Privacy Policy explains:
- What information we collect
- How and why we use it
- Who we share it with
- Your rights and choices
By using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
2. Who is the Responsible Party?
- Responsible Party: Bus Services
- Contact Email: info@busservices.co.za
- Information Officer: [Insert Name/Title]
We determine how and why your personal information is processed.
3. What Counts as Personal Information?
Under POPIA, Personal Information is any information that identifies you (directly or indirectly), such as your:
- Name, surname
- Email address or phone number
- Location data (GPS)
- Device identifiers
4. Information We Collect
We collect information in two ways:
a) Information You Provide:
- Account details (name, email, mobile number) if you register.
- Feedback, queries, or messages when you contact us.
b) Information Collected Automatically (with your permission):
- Location data to show nearby bus stops, plan routes, and provide live tracking.
- Device & usage data (device type, OS, unique identifiers, features used, times accessed).
- This is mostly aggregated and anonymised to improve the app.
5. Why We Use Your Information
We use your information for clear, lawful purposes:
- To provide services (routes, schedules, real-time updates).
- To improve the app (using aggregated data to understand demand, improve features, and support better public transport planning).
- To communicate with you (service alerts, updates, responses to your queries).
- To keep things secure and lawful (prevent misuse, comply with legal obligations).
We will not use your information for unrelated purposes without your consent.
6. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it only with:
- Trusted service providers (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics). They are bound by contracts to protect your data.
- Legal authorities if required by law or court order.
- Partners/public bodies in anonymised and aggregated form (never identifying you personally) for research and transport planning.
7. Cross-Border Data Transfers
Some service providers may be located outside South Africa. If so, we will only transfer your information where the destination country has adequate protection, or where binding agreements ensure compliance with POPIA.
8. How We Protect Your Data
We apply technical and organisational safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Encrypted storage and secure servers
- Access controls and monitoring
- Regular security assessments
If a security breach occurs, we will notify you and the Information Regulator as required by POPIA.
9. Data Retention
We keep your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined here or as required by law. Afterwards, data is securely deleted or anonymised.
10. Your Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
- Know when and why your data is collected
- Access the data we hold about you
- Request corrections or deletions
- Object to processing (e.g., for direct marketing, which we do not do)
- Complain to the Information Regulator
To exercise your rights, email us at info@busservices.co.za. We may ask for proof of identity.
11. Children's Privacy
This app is not designed for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors without parental consent. If we find such data has been collected, it will be deleted.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as our services evolve. Changes will be posted in the App with the "Last Updated" date.
13. Contact or Complaints
Questions or requests? Contact our Information Officer:
📧 Email: info@busservices.co.za
If you're not satisfied, you may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:
📧 complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
🌐 https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
For additional support, you can also visit our Contact Us page.