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Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to PTVbuddy (“we”, “our”, or “us”).

PTVbuddy is a mobile application designed for Public Transport Victoria (PTV) users to help plan journeys, receive disruption alerts, and manage favourite routes and stations.

We respect your privacy and are committed to handling your personal information responsibly in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the data protection requirements of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

By downloading, installing, or using PTVbuddy, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide and improve the PTVbuddy experience:

a. Account Information

  • Name, email address, and password (used for account creation, login, and personalisation).

b. Location Data

  • Real-time GPS location from your device (with your permission).

  • Used to show nearby transport routes, disruptions, and to provide location-based travel guidance.

c. Favourites and Preferences

  • Your marked or saved routes, stops, or stations to customise your experience.

d. Device and Usage Information

  • Device type, operating system, IP address, app version, and interaction data (used for analytics and app improvement).

e. Cookies and Local Storage

  • Used to store preferences and support core functionality.

You can control access to your data through your device’s permission settings at any time.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Create and manage your account.

  • Provide travel guidance and nearby route suggestions.

  • Display personalised travel updates and disruption alerts.

  • Enable you to save and manage favourite routes and stops.

  • Improve app performance and user experience.

  • Communicate important updates or notifications (if opted in).

  • Comply with legal obligations.

We do not use your data for advertising or marketing purposes without your consent.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We value your trust. PTVbuddy does not sell or rent user data.
We only share information in limited cases:

  • With service providers that host or maintain our systems (under confidentiality obligations).

  • When required by law or government authorities.

  • To prevent fraud, misuse, or threats to user safety.

All data transfers are secured using encryption and comply with applicable privacy standards.

5. Data Storage and Security

We use industry-standard encryption and secure cloud storage to protect your data.
Access to personal information is restricted to authorised personnel only.

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal data (including favourites and location history) at any time through the app’s settings or by contacting us.

Upon deletion, we will remove your personal information except where retention is required by law or for legitimate safety or compliance purposes.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and correct your personal information.

  • Withdraw consent to location or data collection.

  • Request data deletion.

  • Opt out of communications or notifications.

Requests can be made via email at hi@ptvbuddy.com.au

8. Children’s Privacy

PTVbuddy is intended for users aged 13 and above.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age.
If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will promptly delete it.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

PTVbuddy may include links to external websites, APIs, or third-party services (such as Public Transport Victoria’s website).

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties.
We encourage you to review their respective privacy policies before interacting with their services.

10. International Data Transfers

If your data is stored or processed outside Australia (for example, on international cloud servers), we take reasonable steps to ensure that your data receives an equivalent level of protection consistent with Australian privacy law.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect app updates or legal requirements.
The latest version will always be available within the app and on our website, with an updated “Last Updated” date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests about your privacy or this policy, please contact us:

PTVbuddy Privacy Officer
📧 Email: hi@ptvbuddy.com.au

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