CarFree Privacy Policy
CarFree ("we", "our", "us") provides neighborhood and public transportation routing information. This Privacy Policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, and your choices.
Information We Collect
- Location data (optional): If you grant permission, the app uses coarse/fine location while you use the app to find nearby neighborhoods, calculate routes, and keep an active trip in sync. The Android app distributed through Google Play in this release uses foreground location for live trip guidance while the app is open. Separate platform builds may use additional trip-alert permissions where supported and enabled.
- Route inputs: If you type a manual start or destination address, it is used to request directions.
- App usage data: We collect analytics events (for example screen views, route starts, tab/filter selections, and trip progress events) to improve quality and performance.
- Crash and diagnostics data: We collect crash reports and diagnostic context (for example app version, route mode, origin source/fallback state, and technical error details) to debug reliability issues.
- Saved device data: We store local data on your device, including saved places, route shortcuts, trip reminders, active trip session state, and short-lived route/location cache entries (including last known location cache).
- Notification data (optional): If you allow notifications, the app stores and schedules local trip reminder notifications and, on supported platforms/builds, active trip guidance alerts. These notifications may include POI name, departure time, stop context, and trip progress cues such as walking turns, boarding, transfer, or exit reminders.
How We Use Information
- Provide routing options (transit, walking, biking) and nearby place discovery.
- Improve product reliability, speed, and user experience.
- Support operational features such as reminders and personalization.
- Monitor service quality, detect failures, and fix defects.
Third-Party Services
CarFree uses third-party services, including:
- Google Maps Platform APIs for directions and map services. This can include your selected origin/destination, travel preferences, and request metadata.
- Firebase services (such as Hosting, Firestore, Analytics, and Crashlytics) for app content, usage analytics, and crash diagnostics.
- Swiftly API for real-time transit feed data (where available). CarFree requests agency feed data; user identity is not required by Swiftly requests.
These providers may process data according to their own privacy policies: Google, Firebase, and Swiftly.
Data Sharing
We do not sell personal data. We share limited data with service providers only as necessary to operate the app (for example routing, analytics, crash diagnostics, content hosting, and real-time transit data retrieval).
Data Retention
- Local app cache and trip/session data are retained for functionality with automatic expiration windows.
- Saved favorites/shortcuts/reminders persist on-device until removed or app data is cleared.
- Third-party analytics and diagnostics retention is controlled by those providers' policies and settings.
Your Choices
- You can deny location permissions and still use core discovery features.
- You can disable notifications in device settings at any time.
- You can clear app data from your device settings.
- You can opt out of certain analytics/diagnostics features as they become available.
Children's Privacy
CarFree is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. We will post the updated version on this page with a new effective date.
Contact
For privacy questions, contact us at: hello@carfreeapp.com