Technical Requirements

Here are the technical requirements for using the FlexVanpool app.

Phone

  • iPhones with iOS version 15.0 and above
  • Android phones with  version 11.0 and above

Data Connectivity

Data connectivity is required to use the app. Every cellular network has different service areas in each city and most carriers have dead spots where there is no coverage – if you are unable to use the app in a select area in the city, move to a location that has cell/WiFi data connectivity and use the app. The data needs of the app are minimal regardless of whether you use the app as a driver or as a rider. The estimated data consumption is up to 10 MB in one month. So don’t worry about how much data FlexVanpool could use up on your cellular data network.

App Permissions

Notifications
Whether you are a rider or a driver, make sure you allow the app to send you push notifications. The FlexVanpool app uses notifications to inform you of various events such as a booked ride or a cancelled ride. These are important messages relevant for your commute – if you miss these messages, you may not be notified of important updates about your vanpool trip. There are optional reminder and service messages that you can opt-out of using the Settings screen in the FlexVanpool app. Do not disable notifications in the Settings app on your phone.

GPS
If you are a driver, make sure you allow the app access to the device’s GPS location. GPS location is shared with riders in your vanpool so that the riders can view the current location of the van. This can help riders determine when to arrive at the boarding location and avoid a wait time.

If presented a choice, make sure you select the “Precise” option instead of the “Approximate” option. Also make sure you select “While using the app” option.

GPS location tracking starts when trip starts and finishes when trip completes (OR maximum 30 minutes after trip start). Location is not tracked at other times. Here are details about the tracking in the app to help you stay informed and address potential concerns.

  • The app only tracks location during the trip. The app starts tracking when you start a trip in the app using “Start Trip”. The app stops tracking when you complete a trip using “Finish Trip” or a maximum of 30 minutes after Start Trip was initiated. Location is not tracked at other times.
  • The app only tracks location while it is the “current” app in the foreground. When you drive, make sure to keep the app in the foreground. If during the trip, you switch to another app, it is recommended to switch back to the FlexVanpool app as soon as possible to resume location tracking.
  • While it is the “current” app with an ongoing trip, the app prevents the phone from going to sleep. This is normal and required for tracking. This may consume some battery so we do recommend you have enough charge or keep the phone connected to a charging port.

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