Website Privacy Policy
Effective July 1, 2004. Last Updated March 7, 2018.
Because we receive certain types of information from visitors to the District's website, we want you to understand the terms and conditions regarding the use of that information. The following outlines our privacy statement, discloses what information we receive and how we use it.
What type of information is received at this website?
The information we receive depends upon what you do when visiting this site. In general, we receive two types of information: The personal information you provide voluntarily, and aggregated information about users as a whole.
When you register to receive periodic service updates, the personal information collected is your e-mail address.
When you submit your comments, feedback or inquiries to us, the personal information collected may include your name, email address, phone number, street address and other information submitted in your comments, feedback or inquiries.
- Aggregated Information. We receive certain types of information about general activity at the District's website. This does not include personal identifying information, but does include how many times the website is visited, what pages or search terms are requested most, what domain names (e.g., "aol.com") visitors are coming from and the date and time of each visit. This information is gathered and compiled into an aggregate form for statistical analysis and reporting. These reports track website activity overall rather than on an individual level.
- The District uses third party measurement software from Webalizer to gather and compile aggregated information. Webalizer does not collect, track or have any access to personal information received at the District's website. To find out more about Webalizer, their technology, or their privacy policy, please visit http://www.mrunix.net/webalizer/.
How do we use this information?
The personal information you voluntarily provide is used to fulfill your request (e.g. for District service information, etc.). The comments, feedback or inquiries that you provide to us will be used to try to improve the District and the services that it provides. The District does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to anyone, or disclose personal information except:
- Where disclosure is necessary to protect our legal rights, enforce our Terms of Use or other agreements, or to protect ourselves or others. For example, we may share information to reduce the risk of fraud or if someone uses or attempts to use our site for illegal reasons or to commit fraud.
- When law requires disclosure. Please note that comments, feedback or inquiries that you provide may be considered a public record once you provide it and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not otherwise protected by federal or state law.
Because aggregated information does not include personal identifying information, we cannot use aggregated information to identify you. We use aggregated information to help determine things like which areas of the District's website you prefer, based on traffic to those areas, peak traffic hours, etc. This helps us continue to build a better website for you. We may disclose aggregated data to third parties (such as advertisers) or include it in public records.
Links.
Finally, note that our website may contain links to other sites. Please remember that when you click on one of these links, you are leaving our website and entering another. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these other websites, and encourage you to read their privacy statements (which may differ from ours).
Cookies.
A cookie is a small data file that websites commonly write to your hard drive when you visit them. A cookie file contains information that can identify you anonymously in order to track traffic patterns and add functionality to the website. Cookies don't identify you personally, but rather identify your computer when you visit our site. A cookie can't read data off your hard disk or read cookie files created by other sites. Your browser can be set to warn you before accepting cookies. In this case, you will receive the warning message with each cookie. You may choose to refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser.
Kids: An Important Notice.
In keeping with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, children under 13 years of age must have permission from a Parent or Legal Guardian before providing personal information as described above. If you are under 13 years of age, you must obtain Parental Consent to register or to submit comments, feedback or inquiries. The District will not knowingly receive personal information from children less than 13 years of age who have not received prior Parental Consent. Any personal information from a child stored by the District will be deleted upon written request from the child's Parent or Legal Guardian. Deletion requests should be addressed to:
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
Attn: Webmaster
1011 Andersen Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
Policy changes.
The District reserves the right to change this policy at any time. If we change our privacy policy, we will update this page so as to apprise you of any changes, and we will post the date of any amendment. Please check our website periodically to review the privacy policy in effect at the time of your visit to our site.
Consent.
By using the District's website, you consent to the collection and use of information as described above.
Electronic Tolling Privacy Policy
The effective date of this Privacy Policy is January 25, 2013.
Last updated January 25, 2013
Overview.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District (“Bridge District”) respects the privacy of its customers.
Beginning in 2013, the Bridge District will utilize an all electronic system of toll collection. The collection and use of personally identifiable information (“PII”) for electronic toll collection at the Golden Gate Bridge will be managed largely under the auspices of the Bay Area Toll Authority (“BATA”), with the assistance of its contractors and subcontractors, in accordance with the BATA privacy policy. The BATA privacy policy applies to customers utilizing electronic toll collection at the Golden Gate Bridge; please read it. In addition, the following privacy policy applies to the Bridge District’s collection and use of PII for electronic toll collection at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Please note that this Electronic Tolling Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) only applies to PII that you provide to the Bridge District or that the Bridge District collects or uses in connection with its electronic toll collection program. Please also review the Bridge District’s website privacy policy.
This Privacy Policy is intended to provide an understanding of how Bridge District handles PII collected in connection with FasTrak®, License Plate, One-Time Payment Account programs (collectively referred to herein as “Accounts”), or obtained as a result of a customer’s use of post-paid license plate toll invoices to pay his or her tolls (“Invoices”). Among other things, this policy explains the types of information collected from customers; the third parties with whom Bridge District may share this information; the process by which customers are notified about material changes to this Policy; and the process by which customers may review and request changes to his or her PII.
Use of Accounts or Invoices to pay tolls constitutes the customer’s agreement to this Privacy Policy and any updates.
Definitions.
The following definitions apply:
Personally Identifiable Information or PII: PII identifies or describes a person or can be directly linked to a specific individual. Examples of PII include but are not limited to: a person’s name, mailing address, business name, alternate contact information, e-mail address, fax number, toll tag number(s), Account number(s), license plate number(s) and state(s) of registration, vehicle make(s), model(s), year(s), telephone number(s), credit-card number(s), security code(s) and expiration date(s), and Travel Pattern Data.
Travel Pattern Data: A FasTrak customer’s toll tag number or License Plate or One-Time Payment Account customer’s license plate number, as appropriate, is collected, in addition to the number of vehicle axles, as he or she drives through a toll booth to record the transaction and calculate the toll. The tag number, or license plate number, in conjunction with the toll booth location and date and time of passage constitutes a customer’s Travel Pattern Data. For those customers using Invoices for payment, Travel Pattern Data is collected the same way as for License Plate or One-time Payment Accounts.
Aggregate Data or Aggregate Information: Aggregate data or information is statistical information that is derived from collective data that relates to a group or category of persons from which PII has been removed. Aggregate data reflects the characteristics of a large group of anonymous people. The Bridge District may use aggregate data and provide aggregate data to others for such things as generating statistical reports for the purpose of managing program operations for Accounts and Invoices.
FasTrak Account: A FasTrak Account is an account that uses toll tags for toll payment. Such accounts are established prior to trips and have a balance prepaid by credit card, check or cash. Upon crossing the toll plaza, the toll is deducted from the pre-paid balance.
License Plate Account: A License Plate Account is an account for which tolls are paid based on the vehicle's license plate number. Such accounts are established prior to trips and are backed by a valid credit card or with a balance prepaid by check or cash. Upon crossing the toll plaza, the toll is charged to the credit card or deducted from the pre-paid balance.
One-Time Payment Account: A One-Time Payment Account is similar to a License Plate Account, but is limited in duration and requires a minimum payment of one toll trip.
Account or Accounts: Refers to FasTrak, License Plate, and One-Time Payment Accounts together.
Post-paid License Plate Toll Invoices (“Invoices”): For those patrons who do not pre-establish a FasTrak Account, License Plate Account, or a One-Time Payment Account, a toll invoice will be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner.
Collection of Personally Identifiable Information.
BATA collects PII, including some or all of the following during the Account registration process: name, business name, mailing address(es), e-mail address, telephone number(s), fax number, signature (electronic or hard copy), license plate number(s) and state(s) of registration, vehicle make(s), model(s), year(s), credit card number(s), expiration date(s), and security code(s).
After registration and a FasTrak® toll tag has been assigned to a customer or a License Plate or One-time Payment Account has been associated with a license plate number, the Bridge District collects the toll tag or license plate number and state of registration, as applicable, number of axles, and Travel Pattern Data as a customer drives through a toll booth to record the transaction.
If a customer uses Invoices for payment, the Bridge District collects that customer’s license plate number, state of registration, and Travel Pattern Data as he or she drives through a toll booth to record the transaction. The Bridge District collects the identity of the vehicle’s registered owner and address for purposes of mailing an invoice to collect the toll.
The Bridge District has access to PII collected during the Account registration process, including some or all of the following: name, business name, mailing address(es), e-mail address, telephone number(s), fax number, license plate number(s) and state(s) of registration, number of axles, and vehicle make(s), model(s), year(s).
How the Bridge District Uses Personally Identifiable Information.
The Bridge District uses the PII provided in order to effectively and efficiently collect payments, provide information regarding material changes to this Privacy Policy, and otherwise communicate with customers.
The Bridge District may also obtain information about a customer from other sources, such as BATA’s Account database and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”). For example, the Bridge District may obtain information from these sources to pursue unpaid amounts due.
PII is only utilized as described in this Privacy Policy.
Third Parties with Whom Bridge District May Share Personally Identifiable Information.
The Bridge District may share PII with BATA and its contractors and subcontractors for the purpose of managing FasTrak and other electronic toll collection operations (i.e., License Plate Accounts, One-Time Payment Accounts and Invoices). BATA’s privacy policy is available here. The Bridge District may also share PII with other toll agencies within the State of California for the purpose of managing FasTrak or other electronic tolling operations.
The Bridge District may share PII with contractors and consultants that it has engaged to develop, implement and manage the all electronic toll collection system at the Golden Gate Bridge. These contractors and consultants are provided only with the PII they need to deliver the services for which they were retained. The Bridge District requires its contractors and consultants to maintain the confidentiality of the information and to use it only as necessary to carry out their duties.
Besides these entities, PII will not be disclosed to any other third party without express customer consent, except as required to comply with laws or legal processes served on Bridge District.
Retention of Personally Identifiable Information.
The Bridge District shall only store the PII of a customer that is necessary to perform Account and Invoice functions such as billing, account settlement, or enforcement activities. All other information shall be discarded no more than four years and six months after the closure date of the billing cycle and the bill has been paid, including resolution of all toll violations, if applicable. The Bridge District will discard all account information, including PII, no later than four years and six months after the date an Account is closed or terminated and all outstanding amounts due are paid, including resolution of all toll violations, if applicable.
Other Uses of FasTrak Account Toll Tag Data.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) / 511.org operates a traffic data collection system based on FasTrak toll tags to provide better information about the transportation network to Bay Area travelers, transportation managers, and transportation planners through the 511 Driving Times (SM) service. Encryption software is used to mask each toll tag identification number to ensure that toll tag information is treated anonymously in the traffic data collection process. No FasTrak Account customer PII is shared by the Bridge District with MTC for 511 Driving TimesSM. Further, a customer has the option not to have his or her toll tag identification number read by the data collection system by placing the transponder in the Mylar bag that comes with the transponder. For more information on the 511 Driving Times(SM) service, please refer to www.511.org.
Aggregate Data.
The Bridge District may combine the PII provided by customers in a non-identifiable format with other information to create Aggregate Data that may be disclosed to third parties. Aggregate Data is used by the Bridge District for such things as improving the electronic toll collection programs referenced in this Privacy Policy and for the marketing of those programs. Aggregate Data does not contain any information that could be used to contact or identify individual customers or their accounts. For example, the Bridge District may inform third parties regarding the number of FasTrak accounts within a particular zip code.
Account Access and Controls.
BATA, its contractors, and subcontractors administer the Account registration process and maintain the website at www.bayareafastrak.org, through which Accounts are accessible. Customers are advised to safeguard passwords, PINs, and other authentication information that may be used to access Accounts. Customers should not disclose authentication information to any third party and should notify the Customer Service Center ("CSC") of any unauthorized use of their passwords.
Updating Personally Identifiable Information.
PII can be reviewed and edited online at the FasTrak website. The FasTrak website uses functions that have the ability to collect and store self-reported data. These functions enable customers to revise, update or review information that has been previously submitted by going back to the applicable function, logging-in and making the desired changes. In addition to this method, FasTrak Account and License Plate Account customers who have not registered online may update their PII by electronically submitting a comment form found under the “Contact Us” bar of the FasTrak website to the CSC or by telephoning the CSC at (877) BAY-TOLL or 1-877-229-8655.
If the CSC does not provide an adequate resolution regarding updating of personal information, please contact BATA's Privacy Officer at:
Bay Area Toll Authority
Attn: Privacy Officer
101 8th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Or e-mail: privacyofficer@mtc.ca.gov
Or call: 510-817-5700
Changes to this Privacy Policy.
Material Changes. The Bridge District will inform customers if material changes are made to this Privacy Policy, in particular, changes that expand the permissible uses or disclosures of PII allowed by the prior version of the Privacy Policy. If the Bridge District makes material changes to this Privacy Policy, the Bridge District will notify customers by means of posting a conspicuous notice on its website that material changes have been made.
Immaterial Changes. The Bridge District may also make non-substantive changes to the Privacy Policy, such as those that do not affect the permissible uses or disclosures of PII. In these instances, the Bridge District may not post a special notice on its website.
If the Bridge District decides to make any change to this Privacy Policy, material or immaterial, the Bridge District will post the revised policy on its website, along with the date of any amendment.
The Bridge District reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so the policy needs to be reviewed frequently by customers.
When the Bridge District revises the Privacy Policy, the "last updated" date at the top of the Privacy Policy will reflect the date of the last change. We encourage customers to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how the Bridge District protects the security of PII collected for the FasTrak, License Plate Account, One-Time Payment Account, and Invoices programs. Continued use of the Accounts or Invoices to pay tolls, constitutes the customer’s agreement to this Privacy Policy and any updates.
Emails Sent to Bridge District.
Please do not send PII in an email directly to Bridge District if you want to keep content or data private.
History of Changes to Privacy Policy
January 25, 2013 Electronic Tolling Privacy Policy Established
Larkspur Ferry Parking Privacy Policy
Effective date: February 3, 2014
Last updated: February 20, 2014
The District respects the privacy of its customers. This privacy policy applies to any personally identifiable information (PII) that you provide to the District or that the District collects or uses in connection with the parking program at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal (LFT). The District's website contains a separate privacy policy that can be found above. Parkmobile also has a privacy policy that applies. It is available at http://us.parkmobile.com/members/privacy-policy/. Please read it.
PII is any information that identifies or describes a person or can be directly linked to a specific individual. Examples of PII include but are not limited to: a person’s name, mailing address, business name, alternate contact information, e-mail address, fax number, account number(s), license plate number(s) and state(s) of registration, vehicle make(s), model(s), year(s), telephone number(s), credit-card number(s), security code(s) and expiration date(s).
Information we collect. The District will only store the PII of a customer that is necessary to perform account and invoice functions such as billing, account settlement, or enforcement activities. All other information will be discarded no more than four years and six months after the closure date of the billing cycle and the bill has been paid. The District will discard all account information, including PII, no later than four years and six months after the date an account is closed or terminated and all outstanding amounts due are paid, including resolution of all violations, if applicable.
How we use information we collect. The District uses the PII provided in order to effectively and efficiently collect payments, add commuter check money to account balances for monthly parking, provide information regarding material changes to this privacy policy, and otherwise communicate with customers.
Information we share. The District may share PII with Parkmobile and its contractors and subcontractors for the purpose of managing the LFT parking program. The District may share PII with contractors and consultants that it has engaged to implement and manage the LFT parking program. Besides these entities, PII will not be disclosed to any other third party without express customer consent, except as required to comply with laws or legal processes served on the District and for enforcement. The District requires its contractors and consultants to maintain the confidentiality of the information and to use it only as necessary to carry out their duties.
Updating Personally Identifiable Information. An individual may contact Parkmobile to update any PII collected by Parkmobile. To update PII collected by the District, please contact:
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
Attn: Customer Service Supervisor
1011 Andersen Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
Links. Note that our website may contain links to other sites. Please remember that when you click on one of these links, you are leaving our website and entering another. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these other websites, and encourage you to read their privacy statements (which may differ from ours).
Policy changes. The District reserves the right to change this policy at any time. If we change our privacy policy, we will update this page to reflect the changes, and we will post the date of any amendment. Please check our website periodically to review the privacy policy in effect at the time of your visit to our site.
Consent. By using the District's website, you consent to the collection and use of information as described above.