Legal
Cookie Policy
Last updated:
This Cookie Policy explains how RideDirect uses cookies and similar technologies on ridedirect.com.au and on any page that links to this policy. It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect and handle personal information more generally.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that a website saves on your device when you visit. They let the site remember information about your visit — for example, that you have started a booking, preferred a particular language, or already accepted a notice — across pages and return visits.
Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and small image files known as “pixels” or “beacons”. We refer to all of these as “cookies” in this policy.
Cookies can be:
- First-party — set by RideDirect.
- Third-party — set by another organisation whose service we use, such as a payment processor.
- Session — deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent — kept on your device for a set time after the browser closes.
2. Cookies we currently use
We keep our cookie use deliberately minimal. At present we only use cookies that are strictly necessary for the site to work, plus cookies set by Stripe when you pay by card.
a. Essential cookies (first-party)
These cookies are necessary for core functions. The site will not work properly without them, so consent is not required under the OAIC’s guidance on online tracking.
- Booking flow state — remembers the trip details you have entered so you can move between steps without losing your place. Session-based.
- Preferences — remembers display, accessibility, and consent preferences for your next visit. Persistent, up to 12 months.
- Security — protects against common web threats such as cross-site request forgery and abusive automated traffic. Session-based.
- Load balancing and performance — keeps a consistent connection to our hosting provider so pages load reliably. Session-based.
b. Payment cookies (third-party — Stripe)
On pages where you make a card payment, Stripe sets cookies to secure the transaction, detect fraud, and meet card scheme requirements (including PCI-DSS and 3-D Secure). These cookies are set and managed by Stripe under stripe.com/au/privacy. If you block these cookies, card payment may not be possible and you may need to use an alternative payment method.
c. What we do not use
At the time this policy was last updated, RideDirect does not use:
- Google Analytics or any other third-party analytics platform.
- Advertising or remarketing cookies (such as Google Ads, Meta Pixel, or LinkedIn Insight).
- Social-media tracking pixels.
- Cross-site behavioural profiling tools.
If we add any of these in the future we will update this policy and our Privacy Policy, and — where required — present a consent banner before they load.
3. Legal basis under Australian law
The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles apply where cookies collect personal information. Strictly necessary cookies are used because they are required to provide the service you have asked for. Where we introduce cookies that are not strictly necessary, we will seek consent consistent with OAIC guidance.
4. How to manage cookies
You can control cookies through your browser. The major browser vendors publish step-by-step instructions:
The eSafety Commissioner publishes general guidance on browser privacy settings at esafety.gov.au.
5. What happens if you disable cookies
If you disable essential cookies:
- The booking flow may not remember the details you have entered between steps.
- Some forms may not submit, or may submit without security protections.
- You may need to re-enter information each time you visit.
- Card payment may not work, in which case you can pay by an alternative method.
You can still contact us by phone or email to make a booking — see Contact.
6. Third-party policies
Third parties that may set cookies through our site operate under their own privacy and cookie policies:
- Stripe Payments Australia — stripe.com/au/privacy
If we introduce other third parties (for example, an analytics or maps provider), they will be listed here.
7. Updates to this policy
We will update this policy if we change the cookies we use or how we use them. The current version is always posted on this page with the “Last updated” date above.
8. Contact
Questions about cookies or this policy? Contact our Privacy Officer:
- Email: Admin@ridedirect.com.au
- Phone: 02 9052 6042 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
- Post: [TBC postal address]