Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 7, 2026

Your privacy is critically important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how UMass BusTrack ("we," "us," or "the App") collects, uses, and discloses information about you when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

A. Location Data (Optional)

  • How it works: We request access to your device's location services.
  • Purpose: This is used solely to display your current position on the map relative to bus stops and to help you find the nearest stop.
  • Storage: This data is processed locally on your device. We do not transmit your precise location history to our servers, nor do we store it.

B. Device & Usage Data (Analytics & Ads)

To maintain the App and provide advertising, we and our third-party partners may collect certain technical information automatically, including:

  • Device Identifiers: Such as your IP address, Advertising ID (IDFA for iOS, AAID for Android), and device model.
  • Usage Data: App crashes, performance logs, and interactions with the App (e.g., screens visited, ads clicked).

2. Advertising

This App is supported by advertisements managed by Google AdMob. To serve relevant ads, measure their performance, and prevent fraud, Google may collect and use information about your device and app usage.

  • Personalized Ads: If you consent (via the App Tracking Transparency prompt on iOS), Google may use your device's advertising identifier to show ads based on your interests.
  • Non-Personalized Ads: If you opt-out, you will still see ads, but they will be less relevant to you. These ads may still use cookies or similar technologies for frequency capping and aggregated reporting.
  • For more information, please review Google’s Privacy Policy and How Google uses data when you use our partners' apps.

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal identification information directly. However, strictly for the purpose of functionality and advertising, we share data with:

  • Service Providers: Public transit APIs (e.g., PVTA) receive technical request logs to provide bus data.
  • Advertising Partners: Google AdMob and its partners receive device identifiers and usage data to serve ads.

4. Data Retention

We do not retain personal user data. Data collected by third-party partners (like Google) is retained according to their respective privacy policies.

5. Children’s Privacy

Our App does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal identifiable information from children under 13. If you are a parent and aware that your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us.

6. Your Rights & Choices

  • Location Services: You can enable or disable location services via your device settings.
  • Ad Tracking (iOS): You can control tracking via Settings > Privacy > Tracking or by declining the prompt when launching the App.
  • Ad Tracking (Android): You can opt out of personalized ads in your device settings under Google > Ads.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: