Guardian Bus — Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 3, 2026
Guardian Bus ("we", "us") provides a school-bus tracking platform consisting of the Guardian Bus parent app, the Guardian Bus Driver app, and an administrator portal. This policy explains what data we collect, why, and how it is handled. Guardian Bus is provided to families and drivers by their school or transport operator; accounts are created and managed by the school's administrator.
Information we collect
Account information. Your mobile phone number, used to sign you in via a one-time password (OTP) and to identify your account. Phone verification is handled by Google Firebase Authentication.
Location information (Driver app only). Precise device location is collected only while a trip is active, including in the background (when the app is closed or the screen is off), so the bus's live position can be shared with the parents of students on that route. Location sharing stops automatically when the trip ends. Drivers can revoke location access at any time in device settings.
Usage information. Basic trip and stop records (e.g., trip start/end times, stop arrival times) used to operate the service.
We do not collect location from the parent app in the background, and we do not use location or any personal data for advertising.
How we use information
- To provide real-time bus tracking to parents.
- To authenticate users and manage accounts.
- To operate, maintain, and improve the service.
How information is shared
- With your school/operator and the parents of students on a route (live bus location during active trips), as part of the service's core function.
- With service providers who help us run the platform — Supabase (database & authentication) and Google Firebase (phone-number verification) — who process data on our behalf under their own security and privacy terms.
- We do not sell personal data.
Data retention
Location points from trips are retained only as long as needed to provide and improve the service, then deleted or aggregated. Account information is retained while your account is active.
Your choices
Location: revoke location permission any time in device settings (the Driver app cannot broadcast without it). Data access/deletion:contact your school administrator or email us at the address below to request access to or deletion of your data.
Children's privacy
The apps are used by adults (parents, drivers, administrators). We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children. Student information is provided and managed by the school.
Security
Data is encrypted in transit using industry-standard TLS. We take reasonable measures to protect information, though no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted here with a new "Last updated" date.
Contact
Email: support@guardianbus.app