RanchRide Shuttle Service Fare Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of RanchRide while continuing to provide residents with affordable transportation options throughout Southern California. RanchRide will maintain free transportation for local destinations while implementing modest rider fees for longer-distance trips that incur higher operating costs.

Policy Statement

RanchRide shall provide complimentary transportation for destinations within a defined local service area. Destinations beyond the local service area may be subject to rider fees based on distance traveled. Fees are intended to partially offset operating expenses while preserving a cost-effective transportation alternative for Rancho Mission Viejo residents.

Applicability

The fare policy applies to riders for “South OC & Beyond” trips organized by RanchRide to destinations outside a defined radius of Rancho Mission Viejo. The policy also applies to organizations that request RanchRide for event-specific shuttle service, regardless of event location.

For purposes of this policy, an “Organization” is defined as any business, nonprofit organization, school, governmental agency, community group, event organizer, or other entity requesting RanchRide transportation services for a specific event, program, activity, or group of participants.

Please Note: Any RanchRide trip or event-specific shuttle service reservation confirmed prior to the effective date of this policy shall be exempt from the fees outlined herein and shall be honored under the terms and conditions in effect at the time the reservation was made. Any new reservations made on or after the effective date shall be subject to this policy.

Review & Adjustment

RanchRide staff will periodically review: Operating costs, ridership levels, vehicle occupancy rates, Grant funding and reimbursements, resident participation, and feedback.

Based on these reviews, fare amounts and distance thresholds may be adjusted to ensure the program remains financially responsible while providing value to residents.

Guiding Principles

When evaluating current & future fare adjustments, RanchRide will strive to:

  • Keep local transportation accessible and free whenever feasible.

  • Maintain fares significantly below the cost of comparable rideshare or personal vehicle travel.

  • Encourage participation while responsibly managing program expenses.

  • Balance resident affordability with the long-term sustainability of the service.

Fare Structure

Organizations Fare for Event-Specific Service

The contract will include a quoted amount reflecting the organization's required contribution, which shall be a minimum of 10% of the estimated total shuttle service cost, plus any anticipated day-of administrative or event supply needs. The quote will be provided by RanchRide at the time of booking.

South OC & Beyond per Rider Fares

Fare includes round trip service. See Destinations by Distance chart at end for details.

Tier 1: Local Destinations

Destinations within a 20-mile radius of Rancho Mission Viejo: No Charge*

Tier 2: Regional Destinations

Destinations approximately 20 to 40 miles from Rancho Mission Viejo: $5 per passenger

Tier 3: Extended Destinations

Destinations greater than 40 miles from Rancho Mission Viejo: $10 per passenger

Destinations greater than 60 miles from Rancho Mission Viejo: $15 per passenger

RanchRide reserves the right to designate destination zones based on geographic regions rather than exact mileage when necessary for administrative simplicity.

Fare Collection

Organizations Fare for Event-Specific Service

A credit card authorization form & service-use contract is required to confirm service. The contract will include a quoted amount reflecting the organization’s required contribution, which shall be a minimum of 10% of the estimated total shuttle service cost plus any anticipated day-of administrative/event supply needs, will be provided by RanchRide at the time of booking.

The organization will be charged the 10% plus any actual day-of administration/service supply costs. and any hourly overage costs no later than seven (7) days after the ride date. An itemized list of costs will be provided prior to the card on file being charged.

South OC & Beyond per Rider Fares

  • Fees will be collected at the time of reservation through the online reservation portal.

  • Reservations are not confirmed until any applicable fee is paid.

  • Fees are non-refundable unless a trip is cancelled by RanchRide.

  • RanchRide may require a Credit Card Authorization form to charge for cancellations, no-shows, and issue refunds.

Credit Card Authorization

For payments made outside of the online reservation form, a Credit Card Authorization form must be completed to secure the use of RanchRide shuttle service. This form will give RanchRide the authority to charge the card on file for:

  1. Organization Fares for special event shuttle service + any extended-time costs incurred

  2. Charge Rider Fares for reservations and any changes to the number of riders in the party

  3. Cancellation and no-show fees, per the Cancellation Policy

  4. Any damages and/or additional cleaning required to the shuttle(s) or RanchRide property

  5. Failure to adhere to this policy in its entirety

Ticketed Events

Fares collected by RanchRide are for shuttle service only and do not include tickets or spaces at events. Each rider is responsible for procuring their own tickets at events.

Cancellation Policy

Organizations for Event-Specific Service

Organizations have up until seven (7) days before the date of the requested service date to cancel with no penalty. Any cancellations made less than seven days before the service date may be subject to a cancellation charge, which can be up to the full invoiced amount.

While unlikely, if for whatever reason the shuttle becomes unavailable for the ride, a RanchRide representative will inform the Organization immediately and no cancellation fees will be charged.

South OC & Beyond per Rider

Rider reservations may cancel up to 24-hours in advance of the ride date for a full refund, less the processing service fees.

Reservations cancelled less than 24-hours prior to the ride date will receive a 50% refund, less the processing service fees, and no-shows are non-refundable.

Should RanchRide need to cancel a trip for any reason, all reservations will receive a full refund.

Please contact the RanchRide team at info@ranchride.net with any questions.

RanchRide Shuttle Service Terms & Conditions for Rider Reservations

Acceptance.  By submitting a reservation request or using RanchRide transportation services, the person making the reservation (the “Reservation Holder”) agrees to these Terms & Conditions for the Reservation Holder and each person included in the reservation (collectively, the “Reservation Party”).  The Reservation Holder represents that the Reservation Holder is at least eighteen (18) years old and is authorized to make the reservation and accept these Terms & Conditions on behalf of the Reservation Party.

1. Reservations; Availability

Reservations are subject to vehicle, driver, staffing, route, seat, and schedule availability.  A reservation is not confirmed until RanchRide has approved it and all applicable fares or fees have been paid or an accepted payment method has been provided.

RanchRide may establish reservation deadlines, passenger or party limits, waitlists, pickup locations, and other trip-specific requirements in the reservation form or trip notice.  A place on a waitlist is not a confirmed reservation.  Reservations may not be sold, transferred, or assigned without RanchRide’s approval.

2. Reservation Information and Changes

The Reservation Holder must provide complete and accurate contact, passenger-count, accessibility, and other information requested by RanchRide.  Reservation Holder must promptly notify RanchRide of requested changes.  Changes to the Reservation Party, pickup location, or other reservation details are subject to availability and RanchRide’s approval and may result in additional charges.

The Reservation Holder is responsible for communicating these Terms & Conditions and all trip instructions to the Reservation Party and for ensuring that each passenger complies with them. 

3. Fares, Fees, and Payment

The reservation form will disclose the applicable fare and any identified reservation, cancellation, no-show, or other charges.  By completing the reservation, the Reservation Holder agrees to pay all charges properly associated with the reservation.

Fares are for transportation services only and do not include admission tickets, event registration, food, merchandise, or other third-party costs unless the reservation form expressly states otherwise.  Each passenger is responsible for obtaining any ticket, registration, identification, or authorization required for the destination or activity.

If a credit card or other payment method is provided, the Reservation Holder authorizes RanchRide to charge that payment method for the disclosed fare and for cancellation, no-show, damage, or extraordinary cleaning charges properly due under these Terms & Conditions.

4. Rider Cancellation; Refunds; No-Shows

The Reservation Holder may cancel a reservation at least twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund of amounts paid, less processing or other third-party transaction fees that are not returned to RanchRide.

If a reservation is cancelled less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled departure time, fifty percent (50%) of the fare will be refunded, less nonrefundable processing or third-party transaction fees.  A passenger who does not appear at the designated pickup location by the required boarding time is a no-show and is not entitled to a refund.

Refunds will be issued only to the Reservation Holder using the original payment method, unless RanchRide determines that another method is reasonably necessary.  A reduction in the number of passengers is treated as a cancellation with respect to the removed passenger or passengers.

5. Changes, Delays, Suspension, or Cancellation by RanchRide

RanchRide may modify routes, stops, vehicles, pickup or departure times, or other trip details, or may delay, suspend, or cancel service, when reasonably necessary because of safety concerns, traffic or road conditions, weather, vehicle or driver unavailability, staffing limitations, governmental orders, emergencies, mechanical conditions, operational requirements, insufficient participation, or other circumstances beyond RanchRide’s reasonable control.

RanchRide will provide notice of a material change or cancellation as promptly as reasonably practicable using the contact information provided by the Reservation Holder.  If RanchRide cancels a trip and does not provide a reasonably comparable alternative, the fare paid for the cancelled trip will be refunded. RanchRide is not responsible for a passenger’s incidental or consequential costs resulting from a delay, modification, suspension, missed connection, or cancellation.

6. Boarding, Scheduling, and Readiness

Each passenger must be present and ready to board at the designated pickup location by the communicated boarding time.  RanchRide is not required to delay departure or return for a late passenger.  Traffic, road closures, loading conditions, and other circumstances may affect arrival and departure times, and stated times are estimates unless RanchRide expressly states otherwise.

Passengers must board and exit only at authorized locations.  RanchRide is not responsible for transportation to or from a pickup or drop-off location unless expressly included in the reservation. 

7. Passenger Conduct and Safety

Passengers must comply with all instructions of the driver and RanchRide personnel and all posted or communicated safety requirements.  Passengers must remain seated when directed, use available seat belts as required by law or instruction, keep aisles and exits clear, and avoid conduct that distracts the driver or interferes with safe vehicle operation.

Smoking, vaping, unlawful drugs, weapons, violence, threatening or abusive conduct, unsafe behavior, and intentional damage are prohibited. Alcohol may be carried or consumed only if expressly approved in advance by RanchRide and permitted by applicable law.

RanchRide may refuse transportation to, or remove at a safe location, any person whose condition or conduct reasonably presents a safety risk, materially disrupts service, damages property, or violates these Terms & Conditions.  No refund is required when service is refused or discontinued because of a passenger’s conduct.  The Reservation Holder is responsible for arranging alternate transportation when necessary.

8. Minors and Passenger Supervision

A passenger under eighteen (18) years of age must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult unless RanchRide has expressly authorized a different arrangement in writing.  RanchRide drivers and personnel do not assume responsibility for supervising passengers, including minors or passengers requiring assistance.  The Reservation Holder is responsible for obtaining any required parental or guardian consent.

9. Accessibility; Mobility Devices; Service Animals

The Reservation Holder should notify RanchRide as early as practicable of requested accessibility accommodations, mobility-device requirements, or service-animal needs. RanchRide will address such requests in accordance with applicable law and available vehicle capabilities.  A particular accommodation or vehicle configuration is not confirmed unless RanchRide confirms it.  Passengers are responsible for securing and managing personal mobility devices and belongings as directed by RanchRide personnel.

10. Damage, Cleaning, and Lost Property

The Reservation Holder is responsible for the reasonable cost to repair damage to vehicles or RanchRide property, and for extraordinary cleaning costs, caused by any member of the Reservation Party, ordinary wear and tear excepted.  RanchRide may document the condition and provide reasonable support for any resulting charge.

Passengers are responsible for their personal property.  RanchRide is not responsible for items lost, stolen, damaged, or left in a vehicle, except to the extent liability cannot be limited under applicable law.  RanchRide may dispose of unclaimed property in accordance with its then-current procedures and applicable law.

11. Destination Activities and Third-Party Services

RanchRide provides transportation only.  RanchRide does not control and is not responsible for destination activities, venues, event operators, admission requirements, or goods or services provided by third parties.  Each passenger is responsible for determining whether the destination or activity is appropriate and for complying with applicable third-party rules.

12. Allocation of Responsibility

RanchRide is responsible for providing the confirmed transportation service, subject to these Terms & Conditions.  Each passenger remains responsible for the passenger’s conduct, personal needs, destination activities, and matters occurring before boarding or after exiting the vehicle, except to the extent directly caused by RanchRide’s negligence or willful misconduct.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither RanchRide nor a passenger will be liable to the other for consequential, incidental, special, exemplary, or punitive damages arising from the service.  Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits liability that cannot lawfully be limited.

13. Communications and Notices

The Reservation Holder consents to receiving reservation confirmations, trip instructions, schedule changes, cancellation notices, and other service-related communications at the email address or telephone number provided with the reservation.  The Reservation Holder is responsible for monitoring those communications and keeping the contact information current.

A cancellation or change request is effective when received by RanchRide through the cancellation method identified in the reservation form or another written method accepted by RanchRide.

14. Entire Agreement; General

The reservation form, these Terms & Conditions, and any written change approved by RanchRide constitute the agreement concerning the reservation.  If there is a conflict, trip-specific terms stated in the accepted reservation form control over these Terms & Conditions solely with respect to that trip.  No separate fare or fee policy is incorporated into the agreement.

If any provision is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect, and the unenforceable provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.  A waiver is effective only if in writing and applies only to the matter expressly waived.  Headings are for convenience only.  These Terms & Conditions may be accepted electronically.

RanchRide Shuttle Service Terms & Conditions for Contracted Use

Acceptance.  By executing a Shuttle Service Use Contract (the “Service Contract”) or requesting or using event-specific transportation services from RanchRide, the organization identified in the Service Contract (the “Organization”) agrees to these Terms & Conditions.  The Organization represents that the person executing the Service Contract is authorized to bind the Organization.

1. Service Confirmation; Availability

Transportation services are subject to vehicle, driver, staffing, route, and schedule availability.  Requested service is not confirmed until RanchRide has accepted the completed Service Contract and any required credit card authorization or other documentation.

RanchRide may use vehicles, drivers, or transportation providers selected by RanchRide to perform the services, provided that RanchRide remains responsible for coordinating the requested service.

2. Service Details and Organization Responsibilities

The Service Contract will identify the event, service date, estimated service hours, pickup and drop-off locations, anticipated passenger count, requested vehicle capacity, and the Organization’s primary event contact (the “Event Coordinator”).  The Event Coordinator must be reasonably available before and during service to coordinate with RanchRide.

The Organization is responsible for providing complete and accurate event and passenger information; communicating pickup times, locations, safety rules, and other service instructions to its participants, attendees, guests, employees, volunteers, and representatives (collectively, “Participants”); and obtaining any permissions or consents required for Participants, including minors.

The Organization must promptly notify RanchRide of any material change in the event schedule, route, passenger count, accessibility needs, or other service requirements. Requested changes are subject to RanchRide’s approval and may result in additional charges or service limitations.

3. Fees, Additional Charges, and Payment

The Service Contract will state the Organization’s required contribution toward the shuttle service cost and any estimated administrative, staffing, event-supply, parking, toll, or other event-related expenses.  The Organization shall pay all amounts stated in the Service Contract, together with approved additional charges incurred in connection with the service.

Additional charges may include approved service modifications, extended service hours, added stops or mileage, parking or toll charges, additional staffing or supplies, damage to vehicles or RanchRide property, excessive cleaning, and other costs attributable to the event or Participants.

Unless the Service Contract provides otherwise, RanchRide will provide a final itemized invoice no later than seven (7) days after the service date, and payment is due within thirty (30) days after the invoice date.  If a credit card authorization is provided, the Organization authorizes RanchRide to charge the card on file for amounts properly due under the Service Contract and these Terms & Conditions after providing the Organization an itemized statement of the charges.

4. Cancellation by Organization; Refunds

The Organization may cancel the requested service without a cancellation charge by providing written notice to RanchRide at least seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled service date.

If the Organization cancels less than seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled service date, RanchRide may charge the Organization for costs incurred or committed in reliance on the reservation, up to the full amount stated in the Service Contract.  In determining the charge, RanchRide may consider nonrecoverable vehicle, driver, staffing, administrative, supply, and other event-related costs.

Any prepaid amount exceeding the cancellation charge and other amounts properly due will be refunded to the original payment method.  Processing or other third-party transaction fees are nonrefundable to the extent they are not returned to RanchRide.

5. Changes, Delays, Suspension, or Cancellation by RanchRide

RanchRide may modify routes, stops, vehicles, pickup times, or other service details, or may delay, suspend, or cancel service, when reasonably necessary because of safety concerns, traffic or road conditions, weather, vehicle or driver unavailability, staffing limitations, governmental orders, emergencies, mechanical conditions, operational requirements, or other circumstances beyond RanchRide’s reasonable control.

RanchRide will notify the Event Coordinator as promptly as reasonably practicable of a material service change or cancellation.  If RanchRide cancels the service and does not provide a reasonably comparable alternative, the Organization will not be charged for the cancelled service, and any amount prepaid for that service will be refunded.  RanchRide will not be responsible for the Organization’s or any Participant’s incidental or consequential costs resulting from a delay, modification, suspension, or cancellation.

6. Passenger Conduct and Safety

The Organization and Participants must comply with all instructions of the driver and RanchRide personnel and all posted or communicated safety requirements.  Participants must remain seated when directed, use available seat belts as required by law or instruction, keep aisles and exits clear, and board and exit only at authorized locations.

Smoking, vaping, unlawful drugs, weapons, violence, threatening or abusive conduct, unsafe behavior, and intentional interference with the driver or operation of the vehicle are prohibited.  Alcohol may be carried or consumed only if expressly approved in advance by RanchRide and permitted by applicable law.

RanchRide may refuse transportation to, or remove at a safe location, any person whose condition or conduct reasonably presents a safety risk, materially disrupts service, damages property, or violates these Terms & Conditions.  The Organization remains responsible for supervising its Participants, including minors, and for arranging alternate transportation when necessary.

7. Accessibility; Service Animals

The Organization should notify RanchRide as early as practicable of requested accessibility accommodations, mobility-device requirements, or service-animal needs.  RanchRide will address such requests in accordance with applicable law and available vehicle capabilities.  The Organization shall not represent that a particular accommodation or vehicle configuration is confirmed unless RanchRide has confirmed it in writing.

8. Pickup, Scheduling, and Participant Readiness

The Organization is responsible for ensuring that Participants are present and ready to board at the designated pickup locations and times.  RanchRide is not required to delay departure for late Participants.  Traffic, road closures, loading conditions, and other circumstances may affect arrival and departure times, and quoted or scheduled times are estimates unless the Service Contract expressly states otherwise.

9. Damage, Cleaning, and Lost Property

The Organization is responsible for the reasonable cost to repair damage to vehicles or RanchRide property, and for extraordinary cleaning costs, caused by the Organization or its Participants, ordinary wear and tear excepted.  RanchRide may document the condition and provide reasonable support for any resulting charge.

Participants are responsible for their personal property.  RanchRide is not responsible for items lost, stolen, damaged, or left in a vehicle, except to the extent liability cannot be limited under applicable law. RanchRide may dispose of unclaimed property in accordance with its then-current procedures and applicable law.

10. Compliance with Law; No Unlawful Use

The Organization shall not request or use the service for an unlawful purpose and shall comply with laws applicable to the event and the Organization’s activities.  RanchRide may decline or discontinue service that RanchRide reasonably believes would be unlawful or unsafe.

11. Allocation of Responsibility

RanchRide is responsible for providing the transportation services described in the accepted Service Contract, subject to these Terms & Conditions.  The Organization remains responsible for the event, destination activities, Participant supervision, and matters occurring before boarding or after a Participant exits the vehicle, except to the extent directly caused by RanchRide’s negligence or willful misconduct.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither party will be liable to the other for consequential, incidental, special, exemplary, or punitive damages arising from the service.  Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits liability that cannot lawfully be limited.

12. Order of Precedence; Entire Agreement; Amendments

The Service Contract, these Terms & Conditions, and any written change approved by both parties constitute the agreement concerning the requested service. If there is a conflict, a specifically negotiated provision in the Service Contract controls over these Terms & Conditions solely with respect to that service. No separate fare or fee policy is incorporated into the agreement.

Any material amendment to the confirmed service must be approved by RanchRide and the Organization in writing, which may include email confirmation by their authorized representatives.

13. Notices

Notices relating to scheduling, changes, or cancellation must be sent to the contacts identified in the Service Contract by email or another written method accepted by RanchRide. Notice is effective when received.

14. General

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect, and the unenforceable provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.  A waiver is effective only if in writing and applies only to the matter expressly waived.  Headings are for convenience only.

These Terms & Conditions and the Service Contract may be accepted electronically and in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument.