Terms and Conditions applicable to the Use of the Groundlink Worldwide Ride-Platform (including the Groundlink Worldwide Ride-App) and to the Services provided by Service Providers (“GROUNDLINK Worldwide T&C") Scope of Application. These Terms and Conditions (“GROUNDLINK Worldwide T&C”) govern (i) the access and use of the websites www.groundlinkworldwide.com / www.groundlink.global mobile application Groundlink Worldwide Ride (“GROUNDLINK Worldwide app”) and other content, websites, applications, products and services (in the following jointly referred to as "Platform") made available or supplied by GROUNDLINK Worldwide Inc. („GROUNDLINK Worldwide“), the (ii) arrangement of agreements on driver, mobility, and logistics services ("Services“) through the Platform or associated websites, by phone or email with Service providers (“Service Providers”), and (iii) the content of the arranged agreements. Associated websites are websites other than the websites mentioned in the 1st sentence via which Groundlink Worldwide arranges agreements on Services.
About Groundlink Inc. Groundlink Worldwide arranges agreements on Services (“Service Agreements”) which are concluded between users and Service Providers. "Users" in terms of these T&C are individuals and legal entities who use the Platform, with or without having registered with Groundlink Worldwide Ride for the use of the Services or the Platform. Registration and the conclusion of Service Agreements via the Platform is only possible for individuals which are not limited in their legal capacity, legal entities and partnerships. The registration of, and the conclusion of a Service Agreement via the Platform for or a legal entity or a partnership may only be made by an individual with power of attorney, who shall be identified by name.
- About Service Providers. Service Providers can be Service Providers registered (i) with Groundlink Worldwide for the use of the Platform (“Platform Service Providers”), or (ii) with a transportation network company (“TNC”) with which Groundlink Worldwide cooperates to arrange Service Agreements (“TNC Service Provider”). TNCs operate own networks allowing users to arrange transportation contracts with Service Providers registered with TNCs (“TNC Networks”). TNC Service Providers operate in accordance with the rules of the TNC Network. Groundlink Worldwide indicates during the booking process whether a Service selected by the User is to be provided by a Platform Service Provider or a TNC Service Provider. Providers of taxi services can be either Platform Service Providers or TNC Service Providers, depending on whether they are registered with Groundlink Worldwide or a TNC.
- About the Services. Services include one-way transfers (a transfer from a defined starting point to a defined destination or a transfer from a defined starting point without defined destination) and hourly bookings (the provision of a vehicle with a driver for a certain time period).
- Acceptance of T&C. By accessing, registering for or using the Platform the User accepts the application of these T&C. Therefore, please read these T&Cs carefully before accessing, registering for, or using the Platform. If a Service is to be provided by a TNC Service Provider the User may have to also accept the terms and conditions of the TNC.
- Modification of T&C. Groundlink Worldwide reserves the right to make modifications of these T&C, which will be posted at this location. The modifications will only form part of the agreement, once the User has accepted these modifications. It is sufficient for this purpose, if Groundlink Worldwide informs the User of the new version of the T&C using the e-mail which has been provided by the User for notification purposes. In case the User does not object to the modifications of the T&C within four weeks, the acceptance shall be deemed as granted. As part of the e-mail, which is used to communicate the new version of the T&C, Groundlink Worldwide ill inform the User about the possibility to object to the modification and regarding the meaning of the four-week-deadline.
- No application of terms and conditions of user.Terms and Conditions of the User are not applicable, even if Groundlink Worldwide does not explicitly object to their inclusion.
- Language of agreement. The language of the agreement is English.
- Availability of these T&C.The current version of the T&C shall always be displayed and Users are also authorized to print or save electronic copies.
- Data Privacy. Groundlink Worldwide and Service Providers collect and store the personal data which is necessary to process the business transactions. They observe the legal requirements during the processing of the personal data. The Groundlink Worldwide privacy policy can be found under Term & Condition at Groundlink Worldwide Website.
Registration for the Platform
- Registration process. Registration for the Platform is voluntary and free of charge. To complete the registration process, the User is required to provide certain details (e.g., first and last name, email). If the User requests registration online, the contract details are displayed for the User for confirmation prior to sending the registration request and the User can always correct details up until sending the request for registration. Groundlink Worldwide reserves the right to accept or reject a request for registration and there shall be no claims to registration. If Groundlink Worldwide accepts the request, Groundlink Worldwide will inform the User via e-mail to the e-mail address provided by the User and generate a user account for the User. The confirmation of the registration will be stored by Groundlink Worldwide however, it will not be visible and accessible anymore to the User through the Platform.
- Accuracy of details. The User is obliged to maintain accurate, up-to-date, and complete details in their account. Failure to keep accurate, up-to-date, and complete account details may result in the User’s inability to access and use Services or Groundlink Worldwide of this Agreement with the User.
- Passwords. The User is required to keep his password secret. S/He is not entitled to allow third parties to use his or her user account. As soon as the User is aware or has reason to believe that a third party is accessing his/her login details or otherwise gained or may gain access to his/her user account, s/he is obliged to notify Groundlink Worldwide about this fact immediately. Groundlink Worldwide is then entitled to block the User account until clarification of the issue.
- Liability for misuse of user account. The User is liable Groundlink Worldwide or all actions, which are carried out using User’s account, unless the User is not responsible for such misuse.
- Termination. The registration is for an indefinite duration. The User can deregister at any time without prior notice by declaring in written form by mail or hand delivery to: Groundlink Worldwide 226 Broadway New York, NY 10007 or by email from the email address associated with the User account to: Groundlink@groundlinkworldwide.com Groundlink Worldwide can also deregister a User at any time without prior notice by communicating by email to the email address associated with the User account.
Service Agreements – Contractual Relationship & Conclusion
- Contractual Relationship. Groundlink Worldwide enables Users to arrange and schedule Services with Service Providers. Groundlink Worldwide Service Agreements which are concluded between the User and the Service Provider (including a TNC contracting as a Service Provider) directly. Thus, Users are entitled to file claims against Service Providers directly. The User acknowledges that Groundlink Worldwide serves strictly as an intermediate or broker and not as a service provider. The User shall have no claim to the formation or arrangement of Service Agreements.
- Conclusion of Service Agreements.Service Agreements between the User and Service Providers are concluded through the Platform as follows:
- Submission of Booking Request. First, the User indicates the desired Service (e.g., one-way or hourly booking) and fills in the booking screen of the Platform. The fee or an estimated fee for the Service will then be displayed for each available booking class. An estimated fee will be displayed if the fee is calculated based on individual factors, such as time and distance (e.g. in accordance with TNC T&Cs or applicable regulation in case the Service is to be provided by a taxi company). The User then chooses a booking class and confirms his/her payment method, the associated billing details, and contact information supporting the provision of Services. The User can review and correct the details of his/her Service request (“Booking Request”) before submitting the Booking Request by clicking the button "BOOK NOW & PAY" (or a button with a similar indication). When a User chooses a booking class for a Service to be arranged via a TNC Network and provided by a TNC Service Provider, an (additional) agreement between the User and the TNC operating the TNC Network is concluded; this additional agreement is governed by the terms and conditions of the TNC (“TNC T&C”), except if these Groundlink Worldwide T&C provide that certain stipulations of the TNC T&C shall not apply (e.g. regarding payment and invoicing). The applicable TNC T&C (or a link to them) will be displayed during the booking process, and need to be accepted by the User.
- Formation of Service Agreement.
- Formation of Service Agreement with a Platform Service Provider. When a User submits a Booking Request whether via the Platform, by phone or by email to Groundlink Worldwide for Services to be provided by a Platform Service Provider, the User makes an offer for the conclusion of a Service Agreement with a Service Provider. Upon receiving a Booking Request, Groundlink Worldwide sends to the User an email to confirm the receipt of the Booking Request, including the details that were received. Except if the Service Provider is a taxi company, the Service Agreement between the User and the Service Provider only comes into effect upon Groundlink Worldwide Ride’s submission of a separate statement (“Ride Details”) by email shortly before the ride, stating the name and contact details of the selected Service Provider. In addition to these Groundlink Worldwide T&C, the Booking Conditions applicable at the time of booking shall apply to Service Agreements. If the Service Provider is a taxi company providing taxi services, the Service Agreement is concluded in accordance with the regulation applying to the taxi company and contradicting stipulations in these Groundlink Worldwide T&C for the Service Agreements shall not apply.
- Formation of Service Agreement with a TNC Service Provider. When a User submits a Booking Request whether via the Platform, by phone or by email to Groundlink Worldwide for Services to be provided by a TNC Service Provider, the further conditions for the conclusion of a Service Agreement are stipulated in the TNC T&C of the TNC with which the TNC Service Provider is registered. Upon receiving a Booking Request, Groundlink Worldwide sends to the User an email, app notification, text message or message on the Platform (e.g., under “ride details”) to confirm the receipt of the Booking Request, including the details that were received. Groundlink Worldwide provides to the User further messages and information in accordance with the processes used by the TNC (e.g. driver name, vehicle license plate, make and model).
- Rejection of Booking Requests. If Groundlink Worldwide cannot arrange a Service Agreement to fulfill the Booking Request, Groundlink Worldwide will inform the User by email, app notification, text message or message on the Platform (e.g., under “ride details”) that the Booking Request cannot be fulfilled.
- Accuracy of details. The User is obliged to provide accurate, up-to-date, and complete details, and immediately inform Groundlink Worldwide if any change. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the User’s inability to use Services or a termination of a Service Agreement.
- Booking Conditions. The booking conditions vary, depending on the booking class. For Service Agreements with Platform Service Providers, except taxi companies, the Booking Conditions which can be viewed at www.groundlinkworldwide.com Agreements with TNC Service Providers, the booking conditions applying for the respective TNC Network apply. For Service Agreements with taxi companies the local laws and regulations for taxi services apply.
The Cancellation of Service Agreements
- Cancellation conditions. The User may cancel Service Agreements free of charge or with costs according to the conditions which apply to the respective booking class and Service Agreement. The Booking Conditions applying to Service Agreements concluded by the User with Platform Service Providers, except taxi companies, are accessible at: www.groundlinkworldwide.com Agreements with taxi companies can be cancelled in accordance with local laws and regulations. The cancellation conditions applying to Service Agreements with TNC Service Providers are stipulated in the applicable TNC T&C.
- Cancellation only via Platform. To warrant a smooth and save transaction, all cancellation requests must be made through the websites www.groundlinkworldwide.com or the Groundlink Worldwide Ride app. Cancellations are not possible by e-mail or phone call. Groundlink Worldwide will confirm valid cancellations to the User by e-mail.
The payment of Fees due under the Service Agreements
- Fees due. All fees agreed upon in Service Agreements become due immediately upon full provision of the contractual Services (usually at the end of the ride), and include possible charges and the statutory tax, if applicable. Unless agreed otherwise, the fee for one-way bookings applies to the agreed journey without stopovers and without detours. In case of bookings subject to fixed fees, the User must still pay the agreed amount of the fee if the passenger ends the journey early or shortens it.
- Assignment. The Service Provider is entitled to assign the claims for fees agreed upon in Service Agreements, in particular to Groundlink Worldwide and does assign such claims with effect from the due date. Whenever the User or passenger choses to pay via a centralized corporate payment solution, Groundlink Worldwide reassigns a claim for fees acquired by Groundlink Worldwide to the provider of the centralized corporate payment solution selected.
- Invoices/Receipts. Groundlink Worldwide will send or have sent by e-mail or make available via the Platform to the User, a ride summary, an invoice and/or a receipt of the fees of, or made on behalf of, either the Service Provider or a TNC, depending on the territory in which the Service is provided and the Service Provider selected. In case the User receives no invoice from Groundlink Worldwide Ride, a provider of the centralized corporate payment solution, the Service Provider or a TNC, and the User needs an invoice, the User may contact the Groundlink Worldwide Ride hotline. If a Service Agreement is arranged by a TNC, deviating payment provisions stipulated in TNC T&C do not apply.
- Payment method.The fee shall be paid using the payment method chosen by the User during the booking process. For payments upon invoice the fee is payable within 10 days after notification of the invoice (this does not apply to payments via a centralized corporate payment solution).
- Credit card chargebacks. In the event of credit card chargebacks, Groundlink Worldwide may, on behalf of the Service Provider or TNC, solely for the purpose of collecting receivables, use collection service providers for the collection of receivables and services of third parties to inquire the address of the Customer.
Liability of GROUNDLINK Worldwide, Service Providers and TNC
- Groundlink Worldwide shall only be liable towards the User, in particular in regards to its contractual obligations according to this Section VI. In no event shall Groundlink Worldwide be liable for any actions or omissions by Service Providers, in particular under any Service Agreement. Service Providers and drivers are neither vicarious agents nor employees nor subcontractors Groundlink Worldwide.
- The liability of Groundlink Worldwide towards the User, and the liability of Platform Service Providers, except taxi companies, towards the User, in particular according to Service Agreements, are governed by the following rules:
- Groundlink Worldwide and the Platform Service Provider respectively assume unlimited liability for damages caused willfully or as a result of gross negligence by them, by their employees and by their vicarious agents, as well as in the event of fraudulent non-disclosure of defaults, explicit guarantees and damages arising from personal injuries (life, body and health).
- Groundlink Worldwide and the Platform Service Provider respectively shall only be liable for other damages if they are in violation of an obligation, which must be observed to make the due performance of the agreement possible and on whose observation the other party to the agreement can usually rely. At the same time, the liability for such other damages is limited to those damages, which are deemed typical for this type of contract and foreseeable. Possible liabilities according to product liability law remain unaffected.
- Groundlink Worldwide does not warrant or assume liability for obligations according to arranged Service Agreements. In particular, Groundlink Worldwide is then not liable for the non-compliance with regulations under public law by Service Providers.
- Furthermore, Groundlink Worldwide shall not be liable for the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the contents and programs provided by Groundlink Worldwide on the Platform free of charge as well as damages, which may arise from them.
- TNCs are liable in accordance with the agreements between the User and the TNC. TNC Service Providers are liable in accordance with the Service Agreements concluded between the User and the TNC Service Providers.
- Platform Service Providers which are taxi companies are liable in accordance with applicable regulations.
Final Provisions for both the Platform User Agreement and the Service Agreements
- Communication via email.Legally binding statements can be delivered to the User using the e-mail address stored in the account or provided by the User during the booking process.
- Groundlink Worldwide is entitled to completely or partially assign all rights and obligations derived from the contractual relationship between the User and Groundlink Worldwide to a third party giving 4 weeks prior notice; in this case the User may terminate the contractual relationship for good cause.
- Governing law.The contractual relationship between the User and Groundlink Worldwide Ride, and Service Agreements with Platform Service Provider shall each be governed exclusively by the substantive law of the United States Of America & Local Law Of Service Providing Country's with the exception of the United Nations Convention of Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and German international private law. Agreements concluded between the Users and TNCs, and agreements between Users and TNC Service Providers are governed by the law which is stipulated in the TNC T&C.
- Venue. For those Users, who are registered business people, the agreed venue for all legal disputes which may arise in relation with this agreement and the individual agreements shall be USA.
COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
The contact details of Groundlink Worldwide are as follows:
GROUNDLINK Inc, & Groundlink Worldwide,226 Broadway New York, NY 10007
Court acting as Company Register: Local Commercial Court of United State of America
E-Mail : Groundlink@groundlinkworldwide.com
Contact Us : +1-877-352-2212 / +1-800-787-6330 Text Us : +1-332-330-1400 / +1-332-258-6400