Last updated: August 3, 2026
Merge connects college students who are already traveling in the same direction. A student who is driving somewhere (a Driver) posts a trip. Other students (Riders) reserve a seat and contribute toward the cost. Merge handles the payment and keeps a service fee.
Merge is not a transportation company. We don't own vehicles, employ drivers, or provide transportation. We provide a platform that connects students to each other.
By creating an account, you agree to these Terms and to our Privacy Policy. If you don't agree, don't use Merge. You must be at least 18 years old.
To use Merge, you must:
.edu email address from that institutionYou're responsible for everything that happens under your account and for keeping your login secure. Don't share your account, create multiple accounts, or register on someone else's behalf.
When you post a ride, you confirm that:
Merge does not verify any of this. We don't inspect vehicles, check licenses, confirm insurance, or run background checks. These are your representations, and you're responsible for them.
Don't:
We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations, at our discretion, with or without notice.
Fares. Drivers set a per-seat price within limits Merge sets (currently $15–$60 per seat). Riders pay the posted price when they book.
Service fee. Merge keeps 10% of each transaction. Drivers receive 90%.
How payment works. When a Rider books, the fare is charged immediately and held by Merge. The money is released to the Driver only once the ride is confirmed — which happens when the Driver enters the Rider's pickup code.
Pickup codes. Every booking generates a unique code held by the Rider. Give your code to the Driver only once you're in the vehicle. Entering a valid code confirms the ride happened and releases payment. Once a code is entered, that booking can't be cancelled or refunded.
Processing. Payments are processed by Stripe. By using Merge, you also agree to Stripe's terms. Merge does not store full card information.
Cancel more than 48 hours before departure: full refund, no fee.
Cancel within 48 hours of departure: you receive 70%. The remaining 30% is a cancellation fee — 90% of it goes to the Driver, 10% to Merge.
Cancel after the pickup code is entered: not permitted. The ride is complete and no refund is available.
If the Driver cancels: all Riders receive a full refund. The Driver receives nothing.
Refunds go back to your original payment method. How long they take depends on your bank or card issuer.
Merge is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
Merge does not guarantee:
You use Merge and travel with other users at your own risk.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Merge LLC and its officers, members, and agents are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising from or related to your use of Merge.
Merge is not liable for the acts or omissions of any user, including any accident, injury, death, property damage, theft, assault, harassment, or other harm occurring before, during, or after any ride.
Our total aggregate liability for any claim will not exceed [the greater of $100 or the amount you paid to Merge in the 6 months before the claim].
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Merge LLC from any claim, demand, loss, or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of Merge, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any law or anyone else's rights.
[ARBITRATION PROVISION — TO BE DRAFTED BY COUNSEL IF RECOMMENDED]
Governing law: [VERMONT]. Venue: [TO BE DETERMINED].
You may delete your account at any time from Profile → Delete account. We may suspend or terminate your access at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Provisions that should survive termination — including payment obligations, disclaimers, limitation of liability, and indemnification — do survive.
We may update these Terms. We'll communicate material changes through the app or by email. Continuing to use Merge after changes take effect means you accept them.