Preamble

The following terms and conditions apply to your use of the platform TripEase at www.TripEase.ng and other domains through which we provide the services, alongside the corresponding TripEase application. The platform and app are operated by Tripease Limited, a limited liability company incorporated and operating under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with RC 8315477 ("TripEase"). Information, notices and/or documents presented within the Platform serve as guidelines and may specify regulations from these terms and conditions in detail and as such, they are incorporated into these Terms and Conditions by reference. The "other documents" herein referred to also include the following documents:

1. Trip Cancellation and Refund Policy
2. TripEase Booking Policy
3. Standard Operating Procedure: Onboarding and Vehicle Inspection
4. Standard Operating Procedure: Payout and Earnings for Transport Operators
5. Standard Operating Procedure: Route Operations and Management

The aforementioned documents form a part of these Terms of Use and are incorporated into it by specific reference. You are therefore expected as a user of the Platform to familiarize yourself with the aforementioned documents, and you expressly accept that the terms contained in these documents aforementioned which form a part of these Terms of Use, which apply to you and your use of the Platform.

1. Contractual Relationship

These terms and conditions of use ("Terms") govern the legal relationships regarding the access or use of the Platform by you, from any part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of applications, websites, content, and services ("Services") made available by Tripease Limited, a private limited liability company established and operating under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with Registered Number RC-8315477, having its registered office address at 4th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos State, Nigeria.

TripEase makes interstate travel across Nigeria effortless by helping you plan, book, and manage bus trips in one seamless experience. TripEase aims to become the global standard for end-to-end intercity travel, starting with Nigeria.

TripEase is a technology-enabled Platform aggregating intercity transportation (buses, taxis) into a single digital experience for users. TripEase connects travellers ("Travellers" or "Passengers") with institutional transport operators ("Operators" or "Drivers") and retail vehicle partners ("Individual Owners" or "Drivers").

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE ACCESSING OR USING THE SERVICES AS THESE TERMS ARE LEGALLY BINDING.

Your access and use of the Services constitute your complete and unequivocal acceptance of the terms herein contained, together with the terms referenced in the documents incorporated as part of these Terms, and agreement to be bound by them, which establishes a contractual relationship between you and TripEase. If you do not agree with these Terms, you may not access the Services. These Terms supersedes any prior agreements or arrangements made with you whether directly or indirectly. TripEase may ultimately terminate these Terms or any Services provided to you, or generally cease offering or deny access to the Services or any portion thereof.

TripEase may amend the Terms related to the Services from time to time. Amendments will be effective immediately upon TripEase's posting of such updated Terms and Conditions at this page. Your continued access and/or use of the Services after such amendment and posting signals your consent to be bound by the Terms, as amended and you are required to accept the amended Terms before continuation of use of the Platform upon such amendment.

In the case of any changes or amendments to these Terms and Conditions, TripEase may inform users by email or through in-app messages, or through other medium/channels that will be best suited for mass delivery of messages/announcements conveniently to ensure it reaches users wherever they are.

2. The Services

TripEase provides a digital marketplace that connects independent third-party transport providers ("Operators") with passengers ("Passengers"). You acknowledge that TripEase is not a transport operator and does not provide transportation services. All trips are provided by independent contractors who are not employees, agents, or partners of TripEase. TripEase's role is strictly limited to providing the technology platform to facilitate these connections between the contracting parties.

The Platform allows Operators to list available trips and set their own base fares. Passengers select trips based on their preference. A binding contract for transport is formed directly between the Passenger and the Operator once the Passenger confirms a booking.

While TripEase is not a party to the transport contract, it acts as a limited payment collection agent. Passenger payments are processed through the Platform. Fees, commissions, and payout structures are governed by the SOP: Payout and Earnings for Transport Operators, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

As an intermediary, TripEase is not responsible for the actual performance of the trip, the conduct of the driver, or the roadworthiness of the vehicle. Any decision to offer or accept travel services is made at the user's sole discretion and risk.

YOU FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TRIPEASE DOES NOT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BUT MERELY PROVIDES AN ENABLING PLATFORM TO BRING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS TOGETHER AND ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTORS WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYED BY TRIPEASE OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES LOCAL OR INTERNATIONAL.

Any decision to offer or accept the Services is an independent decision made in each user's sole discretion at the user's own risk. TripEase does not direct or control Drivers generally or in their provision of the Services. Any feature, process, or other effort that we undertake to enhance your enjoyment of our Platform is not an indication of any employment or agency relationship with any user. For the conclusion of contracts for rides, only the contractually agreed conditions between operator and passenger apply.

3. Your Use of our Services

User Registration

To use the Platform, you must register an active personal account ("Account") with the Platform. You must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age of majority in your state) and provide accurate, current information, including your legal name, email, and phone number. Failure to maintain accurate Account information may result in your inability to access the Services.

Driver/Operator Accounts

Users registering as Operators must provide additional verification data to the Platform. Your eligibility is subject to the SOP: Onboarding and Vehicle Inspection, which specifies the required documentation (e.g., Driver's License, Vehicle Insurance, Roadworthiness Certificate) and vehicle standards. TripEase reserves the right to conduct background checks and vehicle inspections at its discretion to ensure they meet all necessary requirements for acceptance on the Platform.

Representations and Warranties

As a Driver/Operator, you represent that:

• You are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle in Nigeria.
• Your vehicle meets all regulatory and safety standards.
• You will comply with all federal and state transport laws in relation to the handling of your vehicle to provide services under the Platform.

Account Security

You are responsible for all activity under your Account and must maintain the secrecy of your login details. You may not authorize third parties to use your Account. If your mobile number changes, you must update your Account immediately to prevent unauthorized access by subsequent holders of that number.

Suspension and Termination

TripEase may suspend or terminate your Account if:

• You violate these Terms or the incorporated SOPs.
• Your documentation becomes invalid or outdated.
• You engage in fraudulent, racist, or unprofessional conduct.
• Your account remains inactive for a period of over 3 years.

You may delete your account at any time, subject to TripEase's right to retain certain data for legal compliance, safety, or dispute resolution purposes as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

4. Conditions and Obligations for Platform Use

Driver Representations and Warranties

By offering services on the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

• You possess a valid Nigerian Driver's License and all required statutory permits.
• You are medically fit and will not operate a vehicle under the influence of any substance or fatigue.
• You are the sole driver of the vehicle listed in your offer and will not permit unauthorized third parties in the vehicle during a trip.
• You will not discriminate against Passengers or request any payment outside the price agreed upon through the Platform.
• You are responsible for all applicable taxes (including and especially value added tax), levies, and tolls arising from your services.

Vehicle Eligibility and Safety Standards

All vehicles used on the Platform must strictly adhere to the SOP: Onboarding and Vehicle Inspection. Key requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Standards: Vehicles must be in sound mechanical condition with functional Air Conditioner, seatbelts for all passengers, including the Operator, and meet the age/mileage requirements specified in the SOP.
• Categories: Only approved vehicle categories as stated in our SOP are permitted. Non-conforming types are strictly prohibited.
• Safety Gear: Vehicles must carry a functional fire extinguisher, hazard triangle, jack, and spare tyre at all times.

Mandatory Documentation & Inspection

Drivers must maintain valid vehicle registration, proof of ownership (or authorization), Roadworthiness Certificates, and Insurance. TripEase reserves the right to conduct physical or digital inspections at any time; suspend or deactivate any vehicle/account that fails to meet safety, regulatory, or "brand fit" standards; and collaborate with law enforcement (including the FRSC, VIO, or the Police) and share user data where a vehicle is suspected of involvement in criminal activity, such as "one-chance" operations.

Driver Obligations

By providing the Services as an Operator, you represent, warrant, and agree that you possess a valid Nigerian Driver's License and all statutory permits. You must be medically fit to drive and are strictly prohibited from operating a vehicle under the influence of fatigue, alcohol, or any substance that impairs cognitive function which can endanger your life and that of your passengers. You must treat all Passengers with dignity and avoid any form of discrimination. Any use of Passenger data obtained via the Platform for purposes unrelated to the service is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account termination.

Operational Standards

Drivers must adhere to the operational guidelines set forth in the SOP: Route Operations and Management, including:

• Exclusivity: You must be the sole driver of the registered vehicle and may not permit unauthorized third parties in the vehicle during a trip.
• Capacity: You shall only offer the number of seats the vehicle is officially licensed for, ensuring every passenger has a functional seatbelt.
• Commitment: You must complete trips according to the specified times and conditions agreed upon at the time of booking.

Booking and Cancellation

Trip Listings and Acceptance

Operators may list available seats by providing route details, departure times, and fares. A listing by an Operator constitutes an "invitation to treat." A binding contract is formed directly between the Passenger and the Operator only when the Passenger completes the booking and makes payment through the Platform via the accepted payment methods. TripEase is not a party to this transport contract.

Passenger Cancellations and Refunds

Passengers may cancel bookings subject to the specific time windows and refund rates defined in the Trip Cancellation and Refund Policy. By booking a trip, you expressly agree to the deduction of service fees and cancellation penalties if any as stipulated in that Policy.

Operator Cancellations

Operators are expected to fulfill all confirmed bookings. Cancellations by Operators are monitored and governed by the Trip Cancellation and Refund Policy and the SOP: Route Operations and Management. Excessive cancellations (e.g., exceeding 10% within a 7-day window) or "No-Shows" will result in account review, penalties, or permanent deactivation from the use of the Platform.

Platform Discretion

TripEase reserves the unilateral right to waive fees or mediate refunds in exceptional circumstances, such as verified emergencies, security threats, or technical failures. TripEase does not guarantee the punctuality of any party or the accuracy of user-stated departure times, as it is completely out of the Platform's control.

Prices and Fees

Service Fees

TripEase charges a Platform commission (the "Service Fee") for every successfully mediated trip between an Operator and a passenger on the Platform. The current commission rate is 5% of the base fare, as stipulated in the SOP: Payout and Earnings for Transport Operators. TripEase reserves the right to adjust this fee with prior notice to users via the Platform. Value added tax at applicable rate is also charged on the overall amount payable per trip, and, separately, on the Operator's commission.

Payment Processing

Digital payments on the platform are facilitated by Paystack (a Stripe company). By using digital payment methods, you agree to be bound by Paystack's terms.

• Passengers: Total fares include the base fare plus applicable transaction taxes (VAT) and processing fees.
• Operators: Net earnings (Gross Fare minus the 5% Service Fee and VAT) are credited to the Operator's virtual wallet upon boarding confirmation.

Payouts to Operators

Payouts are governed by the "Instant Payout" model detailed in the SOP: Payout and Earnings.

• Earnings are triggered immediately upon boarding confirmation to assist with operator operational costs (fuel, park fees).
• TripEase reserves the right to recover or "claw back" payouts from an Operator's balance in the event of trip abandonment, fraud, or subsequent cancellation.

Cash Payments

Cash payment is not permitted on the Platform, and under no circumstances will an operator be allowed to "collect" in payment for a ride on behalf of the Platform. All trips to be undertaken through the Platform are pre-booked in advance and paid-for through our accepted means of collecting payments for such rides, before a ride commences. An Operator is not permitted to "collect" money for a trip undertaken through the Platform and users are also prohibited from making payments to an Operator in violation of these terms.

Offers and Bonuses

TripEase may issue promotional offers or bonuses. These are non-transferable, have no cash value, and can only be used within the Platform. TripEase reserves the right to revoke bonuses obtained through fraud or error without prior notice.

5. Your Safety and User Conduct

User Responsibility & Risk

TripEase is a technological intermediary. While we conduct verification checks as detailed in the SOP: Onboarding and Vehicle Inspection, we do not supervise offline conduct, road conditions, or driver behavior. Your use of the Services and interaction with other users is strictly at your own risk.

Safe Communication

To protect your privacy and safety, all communication regarding a trip must occur through the Platform's approved communication channels – which include the Platform's email addresses and dedicated contact line – and not otherwise. TripEase disclaims all liability for any harm, fraud, or harassment resulting from communications occurring outside the Platform (e.g., direct calls that do not originate from the Platform, SMS, or external messaging apps).

Professional Conduct

Users must treat each other with respect. The following are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate account termination:

• Discrimination, harassment, or unprofessional behavior.
• Contacting a user after a trip has ended, except to coordinate the return of lost items.
• Any criminal activity, including "one-chance" or fraudulent operations.

Monitoring for Safety

TripEase reserves the right to monitor and record in-app communications to ensure safety, detect fraud, and resolve disputes. By using the Platform, you consent to such monitoring in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Nigerian law.

6. Liability

No Liability for Transport Services

TripEase is a technology platform and not a transport provider, carrier, or employer. All transportation contracts are strictly between the Passenger and the Operator. Consequently, TripEase shall not be liable for: death, personal injury, or property damage occurring during a trip; the conduct, negligence, or omissions of any Driver or Passenger; vehicle roadworthiness or compliance with FRSC/VIO regulations; or any delays, route deviations, or failure to perform the transport service.

Platform Availability and Security

TripEase provides the Platform "as is." We are not liable for: temporary interruptions, system downtime, or network failures; loss or corruption of data, except where caused by our gross negligence; or actions or content of third-party services (e.g., Paystack or external map providers) accessible through our Platform.

Exclusion of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted under Nigerian law (including the FCCPA), TripEase and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, data, or reputation, arising from your use of the Services.

Maximum Liability Cap

Where liability cannot be excluded by law, TripEase's total liability to any user for all claims shall be strictly limited to the total Service Fees paid by that user to TripEase in the three (3) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or advertisements. TripEase does not endorse and is not responsible for the content, products, or privacy practices of these external sites. You access them at your own risk.

7. Your Content and Information

You are responsible for all the information, files and images (collectively, "Content") that you make available on the Platform in your capacity as a user. You must ensure that your Content does not violate any laws in Nigeria or anyone's rights. We do not undertake to review the users' Content and do not assume any responsibility for it. We may remove or restrict access to any Content, if we reasonably believe it is in breach of these Terms or it causes harm to TripEase, our users or other third parties.

We do not own your Content. By making content available on the platform you grant TripEase a perpetual, revocable (in line with Nigerian data protection regulations which allows you to revoke access to your information), worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to use your Content, including to reproduce, adapt or make derivative works, perform and communicate your Content to the public, for the purposes of operating, developing and providing the Platform.

8. Data Protection

TripEase takes compliance with data protection regulations in Nigeria which is governed by the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other applicable regulations very seriously. We will ensure we make all efforts and use all reasonable endeavours to keep your data safeguarded. For information on how we handle user data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

9. Mutual Ratings/Reviews

Drivers and passengers can provide mutual ratings for each other after completing a ride. TripEase Reviews consists of a rating system where 1 to 5 stars can be awarded and users can leave comments regarding their experience during the ride. Drivers and passengers are responsible for the content of their rating comments. TripEase does not adopt the content of ratings or comments made in this context and assumes no liability for any unlawful or harmful content meant to cause damages or reputational harm.

10. Conflict Resolution

In the event of a dispute between a Passenger and an Operator (e.g., service quality or conduct), the matter may be escalated to TripEase Support within 7 days of the trip date. TripEase may review platform data (timestamps, chat/communication history) to facilitate a resolution. Per the Trip Cancellation and Refund Policy, TripEase's decision regarding platform-mediated refunds or account sanctions is final.

Disputes with TripEase (Arbitration)

If a dispute arises between you and TripEase, we will first attempt an amicable resolution. If unresolved within 30 days, the dispute shall be referred to and finally settled by Arbitration under the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) Rules. The tribunal shall consist of a single arbitrator. The seat of arbitration shall be Lagos, Nigeria. The language of the proceedings shall be English.

11. Intellectual Property

Ownership

All elements of the Platform including software, code, proprietary algorithms, logos, trademarks, and design are the exclusive property of TripEase or its licensors. These are protected under Nigerian and international IP laws. TripEase retains all rights to any enhancements, modifications, or user feedback, which vest automatically in TripEase without compensation to the user.

Limited License

TripEase grants you a personal, revocable, non-exclusive, and non-transferable license to access the Platform solely for your personal, non-commercial use in accordance with these Terms. No other rights are granted by implication.

Prohibited Acts

You shall not, and shall not permit any third party to:

• Copy, modify, scrape, frame, or create derivative works of the Platform or its content.
• Reverse-engineer, decompile, or attempt to derive the source code or underlying algorithms.
• Use the Platform to design or operate a competing product or service.
• Remove or obscure any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices.

Enforcement

Any unauthorized use of TripEase's intellectual property constitutes a material breach of these Terms and may result in immediate account termination and civil or criminal prosecution under Nigerian law.

12. Changes to these Terms

We may make changes to these Terms or the Platform from time to time, at our sole discretion. When we update the Terms, we will post their latest version in our app and our website. We will also give you reasonable notice of significant changes which will impact you and your usage of the Platform to access the Services and your continued use of the Platform thereafter signifies your acceptance of the changes to the Terms.

13. General

TripEase promises to provide the Platform to you with reasonable skill and care. However, do note that we provide the Platform on an "as available" or "as is" basis. It means that we make no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the reliability, security, timeliness, quality, suitability, availability, accuracy or completeness of the Platform. Please keep the Platform updated to its current app version and ensure compatibility of your device. We advise you to use the Platform with a data plan with unlimited or very high data usage limits to ensure that you can access the Platform and services as needed. Nothing in these Terms affects any statutory rights that you cannot contractually agree to alter or give up. You will always have the full protections of the laws that apply to you.

14. Final Provisions

These Terms shall be governed by the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and shall apply to all users, inclusive of foreigners visiting Nigeria. The application of the laws or regulations of any other Nation is hereby excluded, including for foreigners who use the Services in Nigeria.

Should individual provisions of these terms and conditions be or become ineffective and/or contradict legal regulations, this shall not affect the effectiveness of the remaining terms and conditions. The ineffective provision shall be replaced by the contracting parties by mutual agreement with a provision that comes closest to the economic purpose of the ineffective provision in a legally effective manner. The above regulation applies accordingly to regulatory gaps.

Contact

Questions regarding these Terms should be sent to: support@tripease.ng