Terms of Service
1. About BLOC
NextPhase Labs LLC, doing business as BLOC ("BLOC," "we," "our," or "us"), operates a technology platform at ridewithbloc.com and, upon launch, via mobile application, that will connect independent driver-partners ("Drivers") with individuals seeking transportation ("Riders"). BLOC is a technology company, not a transportation company. BLOC does not provide transportation services directly and is not a common carrier.
BLOC is currently in pre-launch. Our platform is not yet live for active rides or commercial operations. These Terms govern your use of our website, waitlist, and any pre-launch services, and will continue to apply when the platform launches.
IMPORTANT: Drivers on the BLOC platform will be independent contractors, not employees, agents, or partners of BLOC or NextPhase Labs LLC. BLOC does not employ drivers.
2. TNC Compliance
BLOC is committed to full compliance with all applicable Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws and regulations in every jurisdiction where it operates. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Obtaining all required TNC licenses, permits, and authorizations before commencing operations in each market
- Maintaining required insurance coverage as mandated by applicable TNC regulations, including coverage during all trip phases (app-on, en-route to pickup, and passenger in vehicle)
- Complying with driver screening, background check, and licensing requirements under applicable TNC law
- Adhering to vehicle standards, accessibility requirements (including WAV service where required), and consumer protection obligations mandated by local TNC regulations
- Complying with driver pay requirements, fare transparency rules, and data reporting obligations as required by applicable law
- Meeting all NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) requirements for operations in New York City, including FHV base licensing and driver licensing requirements
BLOC will not commence commercial rideshare operations in any market until all required regulatory approvals have been obtained. By using BLOC's platform, you agree to cooperate with any regulatory compliance requirements applicable to your use of our services.
3. Eligibility
To use BLOC's services, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
- Not be prohibited from using our services under applicable law
- Have a valid email address and phone number
For Drivers, additional requirements will apply upon platform launch, including but not limited to:
- Valid driver's license for the applicable jurisdiction
- A qualifying vehicle meeting BLOC's vehicle standards
- Proof of personal auto insurance meeting applicable state minimums
- Successful completion of a background check
- All licenses, permits, and authorizations required under applicable TNC law (e.g., NYC TLC license where required)
- Ongoing compliance with all applicable TNC driver requirements
4. Waitlist and Pre-Launch Services
BLOC is currently accepting waitlist registrations for both Drivers and Riders. By joining our waitlist, you:
- Agree to receive communications from BLOC about our launch and services (subject to our SMS & Email Communications Policy)
- Understand that joining the waitlist does not guarantee access to the platform, a specific launch date, or any particular subscription pricing
- Acknowledge that founding member rates, where advertised, are subject to the terms communicated at the time of your enrollment and are not guaranteed until confirmed in writing at the time of platform launch
- Understand that BLOC may modify, delay, or cancel its launch plans at any time without liability
Waitlist registration is free and does not create any payment obligation.
5. Driver-Specific Terms
5.1 Independent Contractor Relationship
Upon platform launch, by registering as an active Driver, you will acknowledge and agree that:
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of BLOC or NextPhase Labs LLC
- You have the right to perform services for other transportation platforms simultaneously, subject to not accepting rides from multiple platforms at the same time
- You are solely responsible for all expenses related to your vehicle, fuel, maintenance, and required insurance
- You are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable federal, state, and local taxes on income earned through the platform
- BLOC does not withhold taxes from your earnings and will issue applicable tax forms (e.g., 1099) as required by law
5.2 Platform Access and Subscription
Upon launch, access to the BLOC driver platform will require a monthly subscription fee. Specific pricing, billing terms, cancellation rights, and refund policies will be disclosed in full at the time of launch enrollment and will be incorporated into these Terms by reference. Key terms will include:
- Subscription pricing disclosed clearly at enrollment
- Automatic monthly billing
- Ability to cancel at any time, with access continuing through the end of the paid period
- Pricing change notice of at least 30 days before any modification takes effect
No subscription fees or charges will be collected until the platform launches and you affirmatively enroll as an active Driver.
5.3 Fares and Earnings
BLOC's model is that Drivers keep 100% of every fare paid by Riders. BLOC does not take a commission or percentage from individual trip fares. Upon launch, your earnings will be subject to:
- Applicable taxes and deductions required by law
- Any outstanding balances owed to BLOC
- Payment processing timelines (expected weekly direct deposit; exact timelines to be confirmed at launch)
5.4 Driver Conduct
Upon platform launch, Drivers will be required to:
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and TNC requirements, including maintaining all required licenses and permits
- Maintain their vehicle in safe, clean, and roadworthy condition meeting BLOC's and applicable regulatory standards
- Carry all required insurance coverages at all times, including any TNC-mandated coverage
- Not discriminate against Riders on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic
- Not engage in harassment, threatening behavior, or inappropriate conduct toward Riders or any other person
- Not operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance
- Comply with all passenger accessibility requirements, including not refusing service to passengers with disabilities or service animals
6. Rider-Specific Terms
6.1 Requesting Rides
Upon platform launch, as a Rider you will be able to request transportation from independent Drivers through the BLOC platform. You will acknowledge that:
- BLOC connects you with independent Drivers and does not provide transportation directly
- Drivers are independent contractors; BLOC is not responsible for their individual conduct
- Fares will be calculated based on distance, time, and applicable market rates as disclosed prior to trip acceptance
- You are responsible for any damage you cause to a Driver's vehicle during your trip
6.2 Payments
Upon launch, Riders will agree to pay all applicable fares and fees for completed trips, processed electronically. Full payment terms, including cancellation fees and dispute resolution procedures, will be disclosed at enrollment.
6.3 Rider Conduct
Riders will be required to:
- Treat Drivers respectfully and courteously at all times
- Not bring prohibited items (including firearms, illegal substances, etc.) into vehicles
- Not engage in conduct that distracts or endangers the Driver or others
- Comply with all applicable laws during their trip
- Not request transportation for any illegal purpose
7. Cancellation, Refunds, and Fees
Specific cancellation, refund, and fee terms for active subscriptions and completed trips will be published in full at the time of platform launch. General principles include:
- Driver subscription cancellations will take effect at the end of the current billing period
- No charges will be incurred during the pre-launch waitlist phase
- Fare dispute procedures will be made available to Riders within the BLOC app and support channels
- All policies will comply with applicable consumer protection and TNC laws
8. Prohibited Conduct
Users of the BLOC platform and website may not:
- Violate any applicable local, state, or federal law or regulation, including applicable TNC laws
- Use the platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or other users' accounts
- Collect or harvest personal data of other users without their consent
- Post or transmit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
- Use automated tools (bots, scrapers) to access or interact with our platform
- Infringe any third-party intellectual property rights
- Harass, threaten, or harm any other user
- Attempt to circumvent BLOC's subscription model, fare system, or TNC compliance requirements
9. Intellectual Property
The BLOC name, logo, platform, and all content and technology underlying our services are the property of NextPhase Labs LLC and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.
By submitting content to the platform (reviews, feedback, referrals, etc.), you grant BLOC a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content in connection with our services.
10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
10.1 Disclaimer of Warranties
THE BLOC PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BLOC DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF HARMFUL COMPONENTS. BLOC DOES NOT WARRANT THE QUALITY, SAFETY, OR LEGALITY OF ANY DRIVER'S SERVICES.
10.2 Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NEXTPHASE LABS LLC D/B/A BLOC AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM.
BLOC'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU TO BLOC IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100).
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NextPhase Labs LLC (d/b/a BLOC) and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the platform, your violation of these Terms, your violation of applicable law, or any third-party claim arising from your conduct.
12. Dispute Resolution
12.1 Informal Resolution
Before initiating formal proceedings, contact us at [email protected] to attempt informal resolution. We will make good-faith efforts to resolve disputes within 30 days.
12.2 Binding Arbitration
If informal resolution fails, any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the platform shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by JAMS under its Streamlined Arbitration Rules, in New York, New York. Either party may seek emergency injunctive relief in court.
12.3 Class Action Waiver
YOU AGREE THAT DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.
12.4 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles.
13. Modifications
We may modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will notify you by email or through the platform at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
14. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account and platform access at any time, with or without cause. Grounds include violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, failure to maintain required TNC compliance, unsafe conduct, or harm to other users. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us.
15. Miscellaneous
- Entire Agreement: These Terms and our Privacy Policy constitute the full agreement between you and BLOC.
- Severability: Unenforceable provisions do not affect remaining provisions.
- Governing Law: State of New York.
- Assignment: You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our prior written consent.
- Pre-Launch Disclaimer: BLOC has not yet launched commercial rideshare operations. Terms relating to active rides, subscriptions, fares, and payments will become operative upon platform launch.