Privacy Policy
Last Updated: December 10, 2024
Introduction
Integrated Student Transportation ("IST," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients, students, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our transportation services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Request transportation services or a quote
- Contact us through our website forms
- Subscribe to our communications
- Communicate with us via phone, email, or other channels
This information may include: name, email address, phone number, organization/school district name, job title, state, and any other information you choose to provide.
Student Information
In providing transportation services, we may collect and process student information including names, addresses, pickup/drop-off locations, and special transportation needs. We handle all student information in strict compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited. This information helps us improve our website and services.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, operate, and maintain our transportation services
- Process and respond to your inquiries and service requests
- Communicate with you about our services, updates, and important notices
- Ensure student safety through GPS tracking and dash cam monitoring
- Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Improve our website and services
- Prevent fraud and enhance security
SMS/Text Messaging Communications
By providing your phone number and opting in to receive text messages from IST, you agree to receive SMS messages from Integrated Student Transportation regarding:
- Service updates and route notifications
- Schedule changes and delays
- Real-time bus tracking updates
- Account-related notifications
- Important safety alerts
Message Frequency & Rates: Message frequency varies based on route activity and service needs. Standard message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier.
Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message from IST. After opting out, you will receive one final confirmation message.
Help: For assistance, reply HELP to any message or contact us at (651) 217-8109.
How We Collect Your Phone Number
We collect your mobile phone number when you:
- Voluntarily provide it through our contact or ride request forms
- Explicitly consent to receive SMS communications by checking the consent box
- Enroll in our transportation services through your school district
How We Use Your Phone Number
Your phone number is used exclusively for:
- Sending service-related SMS notifications (route updates, delays, cancellations)
- Providing real-time bus tracking information
- Communicating important safety alerts
- Confirming appointments and service requests
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their marketing purposes. We may share your phone number only in the following limited circumstances:
- SMS Service Provider: We use a third-party SMS platform to deliver text messages. This provider is contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for message delivery.
- School Districts: We may share contact information with your contracted school district for coordination of transportation services.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect safety and security.
IST does not charge for text messages, but your mobile carrier's standard messaging and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. We respect your privacy and will not share your phone number with third parties for marketing purposes.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in the following circumstances:
- School Districts: We share necessary student information with contracted school districts to facilitate transportation services
- Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or governmental authority
- Safety and Security: We may share information when necessary to protect the safety of students, staff, or the public
Video and GPS Monitoring
Our vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking and dash cam systems for student safety and security. Video footage and GPS data are:
- Used solely for safety, security, and operational purposes
- Stored securely and retained according to legal requirements
- Accessible only to authorized personnel and relevant authorities when necessary
- Not shared publicly or used for marketing purposes
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children through our website. Student information collected in the course of providing transportation services is handled in accordance with FERPA and parental consent requirements.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access and review the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal requirements
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Integrated Student Transportation
855 3rd St SW #6
New Brighton, Minnesota 55112
Phone: (651) 217-8109
Email: info@ist-mn.com