StarTrip App - Terms and Conditions (Papua New Guinea)

 

Effective Date: 25/11/25

 

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the StarTrip mobile applications, websites and related services (together, the “Platform”) by users in Papua New Guinea. By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

 

 

 

 

0. Definitions

 

 

In these Terms, unless the context requires otherwise:

 

a) “Platform” means the StarTrip mobile applications, websites, systems and related technology services made available by or on behalf of StarTrip.

 

b) “Rider” means a user of the Platform who requests or receives Transportation Services.

 

c) “Driver” means an independent third party driver who uses the Platform to offer Transportation Services.

 

d) “Transportation Services” means the passenger transport services provided by a Driver to a Rider using a vehicle, which are arranged through the Platform.

 

e) “PNG Law” means all applicable laws, regulations and rules of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

 

 

 

1. Parties and Role of StarTrip

 

 

1.1 The Platform is operated by StarTrip Technologies FZ-LLC, a company incorporated in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, United Arab Emirates (“StarTrip”).

 

1.2 In Papua New Guinea, StarTrip engages Khoco Limited (“Khoco”) as a local support service provider. Khoco provides limited customer support and administrative services under StarTrip’s instructions. Khoco does not provide Transportation Services and is not a party to any contract between Riders and Drivers.

 

1.3 StarTrip provides a technology Platform that enables Rider users to request Transportation Services from independent third party Drivers. Drivers provide Transportation Services in their own name and on their own account.

 

1.4 StarTrip is not a transport operator, taxi company, PMV operator, hire car service or carrier. StarTrip does not own, control or operate vehicles and does not provide Transportation Services.

 

 

 

2. Eligibility and Account Registration

 

 

2.1 To use the Platform as a Rider you must:

 

a) be at least 18 years old;

b) have capacity to enter into binding contracts;

c) provide accurate registration information.

 

2.2 You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account.

 

2.3 You must not allow any other person to use your account or access the Platform using your credentials. You are responsible for all activity carried out through your account, whether or not you authorised it, except where such activity results directly from StarTrip’s failure to secure the Platform.

 

2.4 You should notify StarTrip promptly if you suspect any unauthorised access to your account or loss of your device so that StarTrip can take appropriate steps to protect your account.

 

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3. Use of the Platform

 

 

3.1 You agree to:

 

a) use the Platform only for lawful purposes;

b) not engage in fraudulent, abusive or harmful conduct;

c) not disrupt the proper functioning of the Platform;

d) respect Drivers and other users;

e) comply with any community standards or safety guidelines published by StarTrip from time to time.

 

3.2 StarTrip may suspend or terminate your access if you breach these Terms or if your conduct creates risk for other users.

 

 

 

4. Transportation Services and Contracting

 

 

4.1 When you request Transportation Services through the Platform and a Driver accepts, a direct contract for Transportation Services is formed between you and the Driver.

 

4.2 StarTrip is not a party to that contract. StarTrip is not responsible for and does not guarantee:

 

a) the quality, safety or legality of Transportation Services;

b) the availability or punctuality of Drivers;

c) the suitability or condition of vehicles.

 

4.3 StarTrip may, in its discretion, assist in facilitating communications or resolving disputes between Riders and Drivers, but has no obligation to do so and is not responsible for the outcome of any such dispute.

 

 

 

5. Fares, Payments and Currency

 

 

5.1 Fares for Transportation Services are determined in accordance with the pricing model used by StarTrip and may vary based on distance, time, demand, category and other factors.

 

5.2 Estimated fares may be displayed in Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK) for your convenience. Where card or digital payment methods are used, the underlying payment may be processed in a different currency, such as United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), by StarTrip’s payment processor. Your bank or card issuer may apply its own foreign exchange rates and fees.

 

5.3 By confirming a trip request you authorise StarTrip or its payment processors to charge your selected payment method for the estimated fare and any applicable fees, tolls and surcharges.

 

5.4 If cash payment is available and selected, you agree to pay the fare displayed in the App directly to the Driver at the end of the trip. StarTrip is not responsible for and does not manage cash payments between Riders and Drivers.

 

5.5 StarTrip may offer promotions, discounts or credits subject to applicable terms. StarTrip may modify or withdraw promotions at any time.

 

5.6 Pre authorisations and Failed Payments

 

You acknowledge that StarTrip or its payment processors may place a temporary authorisation hold on your selected payment method to verify card validity and available funds. If your payment method is declined, revoked, expires, or if a chargeback or reversal occurs, you remain liable to StarTrip for the full amount of the fare and any applicable fees, and StarTrip may:

 

a) charge any other payment method linked to your account;

 

b) set off amounts you owe against any credits or refunds due to you; and

 

c) engage third party collection services or take legal action to recover overdue amounts.

 

5.7 Cleaning, Damage and Additional Charges

 

Where a Driver or vehicle suffers cleaning requirements beyond normal wear and tear, damage, or loss as a result of your acts or omissions (or those of your guests), you authorise StarTrip, following reasonable investigation and documentation, to charge your selected payment method for reasonable cleaning fees, repair costs or related charges. StarTrip may also charge reasonable waiting time fees, tolls, parking charges and other amounts disclosed in the App from time to time.

 

5.8 Pricing Errors and Adjustments

 

StarTrip may correct any clear or obvious pricing error, miscalculation or technical fault in the fare displayed or charged for a trip. Where appropriate, StarTrip may adjust fares, apply credits or re charge a corrected amount and will notify you of any material adjustment.

 

 

 

6. Cancellations, No Shows and Charges

 

 

6.1 You may cancel a trip request at any time before a Driver arrives, subject to any cancellation fees shown in the App.

 

6.2 StarTrip may apply cancellation or no show fees where you cancel or fail to appear after a Driver has accepted and committed time and distance, as explained in the App.

 

6.3 StarTrip may adjust fares, apply credits or make other corrections where trips are affected by technical issues, obvious errors or proven misconduct.

 

 

 

7. User Conduct and Community Standards

 

 

7.1 Riders must:

 

a) treat Drivers with respect and courtesy;

b) not harass, threaten, assault or abuse Drivers or other users;

c) not damage vehicles or property;

d) not smoke in vehicles unless clearly permitted;

e) not engage in illegal activity while using the Platform;

f) comply with any community standards or safety guidelines published by StarTrip from time to time.

 

7.2 StarTrip may suspend or permanently close a Rider account where it reasonably believes that the Rider has:

 

a) engaged in violence, threats, harassment or discriminatory behavior;

b) committed or attempted criminal activity in connection with the Platform;

c) repeatedly failed to pay fares or misused payment methods;

d) abused promotions or referral programs;

e) otherwise created a significant safety, legal or reputational risk.

 

7.3 You are responsible for the conduct of any other passengers or guests that you bring into a vehicle, and you must ensure that they comply with these Terms and any applicable community standards. Any breach by such persons may be treated as a breach by you.

 

7.4  StarTrip is not responsible for driver or customer lost property, but may help facilitate contact between rider and driver. 

 

 

8. Data and Privacy

 

 

8.1 StarTrip collects and processes personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy as updated from time to time.

 

8.2 By using the Platform you consent to such processing and to the transfer of your information outside Papua New Guinea as described in the Privacy Policy.

 

 

 

8A. User Content

 

 

8A.1 You may be able to submit ratings, feedback, comments or other content through the Platform (“User Content”). You remain responsible for your User Content and must ensure that it is accurate, lawful and does not contain any defamatory, abusive, hateful, discriminatory, obscene or otherwise inappropriate material.

 

8A.2 By submitting User Content, you grant StarTrip a worldwide, non exclusive, royalty free licence to use, copy, modify, publish and display such User Content in connection with operating, improving and promoting the Platform, subject to the StarTrip Privacy Policy.

 

 

 

9. Service Availability and Changes

 

 

9.1 StarTrip does not guarantee the availability of Drivers, the acceptance of any particular Transportation Services request, or the continuous or error free operation of the Platform.

 

9.2 StarTrip may modify or discontinue any aspect of the Platform, including features, categories and pricing, at any time.

 

 

 

10. Liability

 

 

10.1 To the maximum extent permitted by PNG Law, StarTrip and Khoco shall not be liable for:

 

a) any personal injury, death, property damage or loss arising from Transportation Services provided by Drivers;

b) delays, cancellations or failure to secure a Driver;

c) loss or theft of personal property during a trip;

d) acts or omissions of Drivers, Riders or third parties.

 

10.2 StarTrip does not exclude liability that cannot be excluded by law. Where liability cannot be excluded but can be limited, StarTrip limits its liability to the lesser of:

 

a) the amount paid by you for the trip giving rise to the claim; or

b) an amount determined by PNG Law.

 

10.3 To the extent permitted by PNG Law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless StarTrip, Khoco and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any claims, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

 

a) your breach of these Terms or of any applicable PNG Law;

 

b) any damage to vehicles or property, or injury to Drivers or third parties, caused by your acts or omissions or those of your guests; or

 

c) your misuse of the Platform, including fraudulent payment activity or unauthorised use of accounts.

 

10.4 Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit any rights or remedies that cannot be excluded or limited under PNG Law, including any non excludable consumer rights.

 

 

 

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

 

11.1 These Terms and any non contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them are governed by the laws of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

 

11.2 If you have a complaint, you should first contact StarTrip support so that we may attempt to resolve it informally.

 

11.3 If a dispute is not resolved within thirty (30) days, it shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in accordance with the SIAC Rules in force at that time.

 

a) The seat of arbitration shall be Singapore.

b) The tribunal shall consist of a sole arbitrator.

c) The language of arbitration shall be English.

d) The arbitral award shall be final and binding and may be enforced in any competent court.

 

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12. Changes to Terms

 

 

12.1 StarTrip may amend these Terms by posting an updated version in the App or on the website.

 

12.2 Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

 

 

 

13. Contact

 

 

For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact:

 

StarTrip Technologies

Email: support@startripapp.com

Email: admin@startriptechnologies.com

 

 

 

14. General

 

 

14.1 These Terms, together with any in app policies referred to in them, constitute the entire agreement between you and StarTrip regarding your use of the Platform in Papua New Guinea.

 

14.2 If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

 

14.3 You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms. StarTrip may assign or transfer its rights and obligations to an affiliate or in connection with a merger, sale or reorganisation.