Data Disclaimer

1. Data Sources and Collection

Renke aggregates transport information from multiple sources to provide comprehensive coverage of South African public transport options. Understanding our data sources helps you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

1.1 Official Sources

We collect information from official transport authorities and operators, including:

• Government Transport Departments: Provincial and municipal transport authorities
• Licensed Transport Operators: Registered bus and taxi operators
• Public Transport Agencies: Metrobus, Gautrain, and other official services
• Municipal Transport Plans: Official route maps and schedules

1.2 Community Contributions

A significant portion of our data comes from community members who share their local transport knowledge:

• Route Information: Community-reported taxi and bus routes
• Fare Updates: Current pricing information from regular commuters
• Schedule Information: Operating hours and frequency data
• Stop Locations: Taxi rank and bus stop locations
• Service Updates: Reports of route changes or service disruptions

1.3 Third-Party Services

We integrate with external services to enhance our platform:

• Google Maps: Location data, mapping, and route calculations
• Weather Services: Current weather conditions affecting transport
• Traffic Information: Real-time traffic data for route planning

2. Accuracy Limitations

2.1 Dynamic Nature of Transport

Public transport in South Africa is highly dynamic, with frequent changes that may not be immediately reflected in our data:

• Route Changes: Operators may alter routes due to road conditions, demand, or regulatory changes
• Schedule Variations: Operating hours may change based on demand, weather, or special events
• Fare Fluctuations: Prices may vary by operator, time of day, or fuel costs
• Service Disruptions: Strikes, maintenance, or emergencies can affect service availability
• Seasonal Changes: Some routes may operate differently during holidays or school terms

2.2 Data Processing Delays

There may be delays between when changes occur and when they appear in our system:

• Verification Process: Community contributions undergo review before publication
• Update Frequency: Official sources may not provide real-time updates
• Geographic Coverage: Some areas may have less frequent data updates
• Reporting Delays: Changes may not be reported immediately by operators or users

2.3 Regional Variations

Data accuracy and coverage vary across different regions:

• Urban vs Rural: Urban areas typically have more comprehensive and up-to-date information
• Formal vs Informal: Formal transport services are better documented than informal routes
• Popular Routes: Frequently used routes receive more community updates
• Remote Areas: Less populated areas may have limited or outdated information

3. Fare and Schedule Variations

3.1 Fare Disclaimers

Fare variations can occur due to:

• Operator Differences: Different operators on the same route may charge different fares
• Time-Based Pricing: Peak and off-peak pricing may apply
• Distance Variations: Fares may vary based on exact pickup and drop-off points
• Fuel Price Changes: Transport fares often fluctuate with fuel costs
• Negotiable Fares: Some transport modes allow fare negotiation
• Group Discounts: Bulk or group travel may offer different pricing

3.2 Schedule Variations

Operating schedules are subject to numerous factors:

• Demand-Based Operations: Many services operate based on passenger demand rather than fixed schedules
• Weather Conditions: Rain, flooding, or extreme weather can affect operations
• Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic can cause significant delays
• Special Events: Festivals, sports events, or public gatherings may affect schedules
• Maintenance Windows: Vehicle or infrastructure maintenance can disrupt service
• Driver Availability: Staff shortages may affect service frequency

3.3 Service Availability

Transport service availability can change due to:

• Licensing Issues: Operators may lose or suspend licenses
• Economic Factors: Routes may become unviable due to low demand or high costs
• Infrastructure Changes: Road construction or closures may affect routes
• Regulatory Changes: New regulations may impact service provision

4. Verification Recommendations

4.1 Primary Verification Methods

We strongly recommend verifying information through:

• Direct Contact: Call or visit transport operators directly
• Official Websites: Check operator or authority websites for current information
• Local Inquiry: Ask at taxi ranks, bus stations, or transport hubs
• Recent Travelers: Consult with people who have recently used the route
• Transport Apps: Cross-reference with other transport information services

4.2 When to Verify

Verification is especially important for:

• Critical Travel: Important appointments, flights, or time-sensitive journeys
• Unfamiliar Routes: First-time travel on new routes
• Long-Distance Travel: Inter-city or inter-provincial journeys
• Late-Night Travel: Services outside normal operating hours
• Holiday Periods: Travel during public holidays or school holidays
• Weather Events: Travel during adverse weather conditions

4.3 Alternative Planning

Always have backup plans:

• Multiple Routes: Identify alternative routes to your destination
• Different Transport Modes: Consider bus, taxi, train, or ride-sharing options
• Flexible Timing: Allow extra time for delays or service changes
• Emergency Contacts: Have contact information for alternative transport

5. Data Quality Assurance

5.1 Our Commitment

While we cannot guarantee perfect accuracy, we are committed to maintaining data quality through:

• Community Moderation: All contributions are reviewed before publication
• Regular Updates: Systematic updates of official source data
• User Feedback: Prompt response to reported inaccuracies
• Quality Metrics: Tracking and improving data accuracy over time
• Source Verification: Cross-referencing information across multiple sources

5.2 Continuous Improvement

We continuously work to improve our data quality by:

• Algorithm Enhancement: Improving data validation and verification processes
• Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation from transport users
• Partnership Development: Building relationships with official transport providers
• Technology Integration: Implementing new tools for real-time data collection

5.3 Reporting Issues

6. Liability and Responsibility

6.1 User Responsibility

Users are responsible for:

• Information Verification: Confirming transport details before traveling
• Risk Assessment: Evaluating the reliability of transport options
• Safety Precautions: Following safety guidelines and using licensed operators
• Backup Planning: Having alternative arrangements for critical travel

6.2 Service Limitations

Renke is an information service only. We do not:

• Operate transport services or control transport operators
• Guarantee the availability or reliability of transport services
• Provide real-time tracking or booking services
• Assume responsibility for transport operator actions or decisions

6.3 Emergency Situations

In emergency situations:

• Contact emergency services (10111) for immediate assistance
• Do not rely solely on our platform for emergency transport information
• Use official emergency communication channels
• Prioritize personal safety over travel convenience

7. Data Usage Guidelines

7.1 Appropriate Use

Our data is intended for:

• Personal Travel Planning: Individual journey planning and route discovery
• General Information: Understanding transport options in different areas
• Community Contribution: Sharing knowledge to help other travelers
• Academic Research: Non-commercial research with proper attribution

7.2 Commercial Use Restrictions

Commercial use of our data requires explicit permission. Contact us for:

• Integration with commercial applications
• Bulk data access or redistribution
• API usage beyond personal limits
• Partnership and licensing opportunities

8. Updates and Changes

This disclaimer may be updated to reflect changes in our data sources, processes, or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes through:

• Website notifications
• Email updates to registered users
• Updated version information on this page

9. Contact Information