Terms of Service

Last updated: 2025-09-19

These Terms of Service (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of the McDowell Updates website and messaging services that provide shuttle ETA notifications by SMS (and, in the future, WhatsApp). By using our services, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

1. Service Overview

McDowell Updates sends shuttle ETA notifications to your mobile number based on the provider, stop, and schedule you select. The service is informational only and not for emergencies.

2. Eligibility and Use

  • You must provide a valid mobile number that you control and keep it accurate.
  • You agree to use the service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.
  • You will not abuse, interfere with, or attempt to reverse engineer the service or underlying infrastructure.

3. Messaging Program Terms (SMS/WhatsApp)

  • Consent: By checking the consent box during signup and submitting your mobile number, you authorize us to send automated text messages to that number. Consent is not a condition of purchase.
  • Frequency and rates: Message frequency varies with route changes and your settings. Message and data rates may apply.
  • Carrier liability: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
  • Opt‑out keywords: You can stop receiving messages at any time by replying with any of the following single‑word commands: STOP, STOPALL, REVOKE, OPTOUT, CANCEL, END, or QUIT. After you opt out, you may receive one final message confirming your choice.
  • Re‑opt‑in keywords: To resume messages, reply START, YES, UPDATE, or UNSTOP.
  • Help keywords: Reply HELP or INFO for assistance and we will respond with support information.
  • International: Keyword behavior may vary by country or carrier. If a standard keyword does not work, contact us using the methods below.

These keyword options are provided to align with carrier and messaging‑provider privacy controls so you can manage your preferences easily.

A2P 10DLC Message Flow / Call to Action (CTA)

To meet carrier and Twilio A2P requirements, our Message Flow/CTA describes exactly how consent is collected and the disclosures provided:

  • Opt‑in method (web form): Users visit https://www.mcdowellupdates.com/#get-updates, see the McDowell Updates brand, review and agree to Terms (https://www.mcdowellupdates.com/terms) and Privacy (https://www.mcdowellupdates.com/privacy), explicitly check a consent box, and submit their mobile number with provider/stop/schedule preferences.
  • Program description: Recurring informational shuttle ETA alerts. Frequency varies based on user settings and route changes.
  • Required disclosures at collection: “Msg & data rates may apply,” “Msg frequency varies,” opt‑out instructions (reply STOP to opt out; HELP for help), and carrier disclaimer (“Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages”).
  • Keyword handling and samples:
    • Initial confirmation: “Shuttle Updates: You have successfully been subscribed to updates. Reply [SUBSCRIBE|UNSUBSCRIBE] [STOP NAME] [MON|TUE|WED|THU|FRI] [AM|PM] to add|remove a stop update (optionally include a day and AM or PM to narrow the request). Reply HELP for help. STOP to unsubscribe from all updates. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.”
    • HELP response: “Shuttle ETA updates. Reply [SUBSCRIBE|UNSUBSCRIBE] [STOP NAME] [MON|TUE|WED|THU|FRI] [AM|PM] to add|remove a stop update (optionally include a day and AM or PM to narrow the request). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from all updates. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.”
    • STOP confirmation: “Shuttle Updates: You have successfully been unsubscribed from all updates. You will not receive any more messages from this number. Reply START to resubscribe.”
    • START confirmation: “Shuttle Updates: You have successfully been re-subscribed to messages. Reply [SUBSCRIBE|UNSUBSCRIBE] [STOP NAME] [MON|TUE|WED|THU|FRI] [AM|PM] to add|remove a stop update (optionally include a day and AM or PM to narrow the request). Reply HELP for help. STOP to unsubscribe from all updates. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.”
  • Alternate opt‑in methods: Besides start confirmation, we use only the web form at this website.

4. Registration and Preferences

You may configure provider, shuttle stop, and schedule windows during signup. You can update preferences by submitting an UNSUBSCRIBE message as described in the HELP, by submitting a new registration, contacting us, or replying STOP to cancel. Changes may take a short time to take effect.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Provide numbers that you do not own or control.
  • Use the service for unlawful, harmful, or abusive purposes.
  • Attempt to disrupt or degrade the service or messaging networks.

We may suspend or terminate access for violations.

6. Third‑Party Services

We rely on third‑party vendors for form handling, message delivery, and content delivery networks. Your use of our service may be subject to those providers’ network rules and acceptable use requirements.

7. Privacy

Our collection and use of personal information is described in our Privacy Policy, available at https://www.mcdowellupdates.com/privacy.

8. Disclaimers

The service is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We do not warrant that notifications will be timely, accurate, or uninterrupted. Routes, schedules, and availability may change without notice.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, McDowell Updates and its suppliers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages, or for any loss of use, data, or profits, arising from or related to your use of the service. Our aggregate liability for all claims will not exceed fifty U.S. dollars (US$50).

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless McDowell Updates and its suppliers from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your use of the service or violation of these Terms.

11. Changes and Termination

We may modify these Terms or the service at any time. If we make material changes, we will post an updated version on this page. We may suspend or discontinue the service, in whole or in part, without notice.

12. Governing Law; Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., without regard to conflict‑of‑laws principles. You and McDowell Updates consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Santa Clara County, California.

13. Contact

For questions about these Terms or the messaging program:

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