Safety & Trust
We're built on one principle: you ride with people you already know and trust. Here's how we support that.
Trust starts with relationships
Unlike ride-hailing apps that match you with strangers, Private Rides only connects you with drivers you choose to share your rides with. You're always in control of who drives you.
How trust works on our platform
You choose your drivers
Ride requests are only shared with drivers you select. No algorithm assigns random drivers to your trips. You build your own trusted network.
Direct contracts
When you book a ride, you're contracting directly with the driver. We facilitate the connection and payment, but the transportation agreement is between you and them.
Private by default
Your ride details stay private. Only drivers you share with can see your requests. Your trips aren't broadcast to a pool of strangers looking for fares.
Transparent pricing
Drivers set their prices. You see the full cost before booking. No surge pricing, no hidden fees, no surprises.
Driver verification
We recommend drivers complete Massachusetts compliance verifications for professional service. Drivers are independent providers who determine their own compliance needs.
Valid MA driver's license (21+)
Background Check Certificate (BCCC)
Rideshare auto insurance
TNC vehicle inspection
Identity verification
Vehicle registration
Verified drivers display compliance badges showing their verification status.
Two-way trust verification
Drivers set their own rider requirements
Unlike ride-hailing apps where drivers must accept any rider, Private Rides gives drivers control. Drivers can set security and trust requirements that riders must meet before sending ride requests.
For Drivers
Choose from trust level presets or create custom requirements:
- Open - Phone verification only
- Standard - Email + phone + profile photo
- Trusted - Identity verified, 5+ rides, 4.5+ rating
- Premium - Full verification with referral
For Riders
Build your trust profile to access more drivers:
- Verify phone and email
- Complete identity verification
- Link social accounts (LinkedIn, etc.)
- Build ride history and ratings
- Get referred by existing members
Trust Score
Each rider has a trust score (0-100) calculated from their verifications, ride history, and profile completeness. Drivers see which trust levels a rider qualifies for, making it easy to know if they meet requirements.
See all Levels of KnownInsurance posture
Driver insurance
Drivers carry their own commercial or appropriate specialty auto insurance. They are responsible for maintaining coverage that's appropriate for the transportation they provide.
Platform coverage
We carry general liability insurance and may carry contingent liability coverage. However, we do not insure the ride itself. Transportation is provided by the driver, not the platform.
Our commitment to clarity
What we are
PrivateRides.to is a coordination platform. We coordinate rides between known parties, record agreements, and facilitate communication. We help connect riders and drivers who already have a relationship or want to build one.
What we're not
We are not a ride provider. We don't guarantee rides, assign drivers automatically, or promise pickup times. We don't provide transportation - we help you coordinate it with providers you choose.
Clear terms, no surprises
Our terms of service make it clear: drivers are independent providers. Riders contract directly with them. We're the coordinator in between.
This structure aligns well with private commuting, school-related transport, medical rides, and family or community-based transportation needs.