Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 16, 2024

Last Updated: September 16, 2024

1. Introduction

Simple DC Metro ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Favorite Stations: We store your selected favorite Metro stations locally on your device for quick access
• Search Queries: Station search terms are processed locally and not transmitted to our servers

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Metro Data: Real-time train arrival information from Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
• Station Information: Static Metro station data including names, codes, and line information
• App Usage: Basic analytics to improve app performance (no personal identification)

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
• Location data or GPS coordinates
• Payment information
• Social media accounts or profiles
• Contact lists or address books

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide real-time Metro train arrival information
• Display Metro station listings and search functionality
• Store your favorite stations locally for convenience
• Improve app performance and user experience
• Ensure app stability and reliability

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

• Favorite stations are stored locally on your device using secure local storage
• No personal data is transmitted to external servers
• Data remains on your device and is not accessible to us

4.2 Data Transmission

• We fetch Metro data from WMATA's public API through our AWS caching service
• All data requests are anonymous and do not include personal information
• We use HTTPS encryption for all data transmission

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 WMATA API

We obtain Metro data from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's public API. This includes:

• Real-time train arrival predictions
• Station information and line data
• Service alerts and updates

5.2 AWS Services

We use Amazon Web Services to:

• Cache Metro data for improved performance
• Reduce load on WMATA's servers
• Provide reliable data delivery

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in operating our app (AWS, WMATA)
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of assets

7. Your Rights and Choices

• Access: You can view your favorite stations within the app
• Modification: You can add or remove favorite stations at any time
• Deletion: Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data
• Opt-out: You can stop using the app at any time

8. Children's Privacy

Our app is suitable for all ages and does not collect personal information from children under 13. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

9. International Users

If you are accessing our app from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Including a notice in the app for significant changes

11. Data Retention

• Local Data: Favorite stations are retained until you remove them or uninstall the app
• Metro Data: Real-time data is refreshed every few seconds and not permanently stored
• Analytics: Anonymous usage data may be retained for up to 2 years for improvement purposes

12. Contact Information