1. The Buddy promise
Every rider deserves a ride that feels like travelling with a trusted friend. Every driver deserves a passenger who treats them with the same dignity. These guidelines apply equally to both sides of the platform.
2. What we expect from everyone
- Be honest. Use your real name, gender and ID. Lying is grounds for a permanent ban.
- Be respectful. No harassment, slurs, threats, unwanted physical contact, or inappropriate questions.
- Be punctual. Show up on time. Cancel early if you can't make it.
- Keep it clean. No smoking, no eating messy food, no leaving trash behind.
- Respect the helmet. Do not cover, tamper with, or remove the AI Smart Helmet sensors. They keep you safe.
3. For riders
- Be ready at your pickup point — drivers wait up to 5 minutes.
- Wear your seatbelt; in helmet-assisted rides, wear the helmet at all times.
- Treat the driver's vehicle as you would treat your own.
- Use the in-app SOS if anything feels off — never confront the driver.
4. For drivers
- Keep your vehicle clean and your documents current.
- Follow the in-app route unless the rider explicitly requests an alternative.
- Do not initiate personal contact with riders outside the app.
- Never refuse a verified Buddy match — refusal counts as a strike.
5. Zero-tolerance violations
The following result in immediate, permanent removal from the platform after a 24-hour review:
- Smoking, vaping or substance use during the ride.
- Any form of sexual harassment or assault.
- Violence or credible threats of violence.
- Carrying weapons, explosives, or illegal substances.
- Discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, disability, or sexual orientation.
- Attempting to bypass gender matching using a fake ID.
6. Three-strike rule
Lower-severity issues — late arrivals, low ratings, minor route deviations — accumulate as strikes. Three strikes within 90 days triggers a formal review and may result in deactivation.
7. Reporting
Report any concern via in-app Help → Report a safety issue, or email safety@gobuddyservice.com. Every report is reviewed by a trained human within 24 hours. You will receive an outcome notification once the review is complete.
8. False reports
Filing a deliberately false safety report to harm another user is itself a violation and may result in a permanent ban.
9. Updates
We will update these guidelines as the community evolves. Material updates are announced in-app at least 14 days before they take effect.
10. Contact
Safety operations: safety@gobuddyservice.com · 24/7 SOS: +91 1800-123-BUDDY.