Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of The Vlad App (the "platform"), a software service that provides booking, payment processing, and trusted-referral tools for professional black-car and livery drivers and their clients. By creating an account or using the platform, you agree to these Terms.

What the platform is

The platform is software. It is a booking, payments, and trust rail between independent driving businesses and their clients. We are not a transportation provider, employer, dispatcher of record, agent, or insurer. Each driver operates their own independent business and is solely responsible for their licensing, insurance, vehicles, taxes, and the transportation services they provide.

Eligibility and accounts

• You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract.
• Drivers must hold and maintain all licenses, permits, and insurance required to operate a livery or black-car service in their jurisdiction.
• You are responsible for the accuracy of your account information and for activity under your account.

Bookings and payments

• Drivers set their own rates through their rate cards. A client confirming a booking authorizes payment for the quoted fare before the ride is scheduled.
• The final fare is captured when the ride is completed. If the final fare exceeds the authorized amount due to additional distance or time, an additional charge may apply, as disclosed at booking.
• Platform fee. A platform service fee of 10% is added to the rider's charge, on top of the driver's fare, and is charged at the time of ride completion. The driver receives 100% of their stated fare; the platform fee is the platform's compensation for the service.
• Referred rides. When a driver hands a ride to a trusted driver, the completing driver receives the fare less a referral amount that goes to the driver who owns the client relationship. This is a per-ride arrangement between independent drivers, not an employment or agency relationship.

Payment processing

Payments are processed by Stripe and are subject to Stripe's terms. By using the platform, drivers and clients agree to the applicable Stripe agreements. The platform may act as the merchant of record for charges and may reverse transfers in the event of a dispute or chargeback, with notice to affected drivers.

Refunds and disputes

Trips are arranged directly between a driver and their client. Any refund or goodwill adjustment is at the driver's discretion and handled directly with the client. Payment disputes raised with a card issuer are handled in accordance with the payment processor's dispute process.

Acceptable use

• Use the platform only for lawful transportation booking between drivers and their own clients.
• Do not misuse, reverse-engineer, or attempt to disrupt the platform.
• Do not use the platform to harass, defraud, or harm others.

Independent relationships and client ownership

A client belongs to the driver who brought them onto the platform. Handing off an individual ride to a trusted driver does not transfer that relationship. Drivers agree not to use the platform to misappropriate another driver's client relationships.

Disclaimers and limitation of liability

The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not provide, supervise, or guarantee transportation services, which are provided solely by independent drivers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the platform is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, and our total liability for any claim is limited to the platform fees you paid to us in the three months preceding the claim.

Termination

You may stop using the platform at any time. We may suspend or terminate access for violation of these Terms or to comply with legal obligations.

Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Contact

Questions about these Terms can be sent to support@thevladapp.com.