Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Marto, a platform operating in Sierra Leone that connects people who need a vehicle with people who can provide one, whether by renting out a car or by giving a ride. By accessing or using the Marto mobile application and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully before using our platform.

2. Definitions

Platform refers to the Marto mobile application and all associated services.

Renter refers to any registered user who books a vehicle through the Platform.

Owner refers to any registered user who lists a vehicle for rental on the Platform.

Booking refers to a confirmed reservation of a vehicle between a Renter and an Owner.

Rider refers to any registered user who requests a ride through the Platform.

Driver refers to a registered user who has been approved to accept and complete ride requests using their own vehicle.

Trip refers to a ride requested by a Rider and carried out by a Driver, from pickup to drop-off.

Ride tier refers to the class of vehicle used for a Trip: Okada (motorbike), Keke (three-wheeler), or Car.

3. Account Registration

To use Marto, you must register an account using a valid Sierra Leonean phone number. You agree to provide accurate and complete information during registration and to keep your account information up to date. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

4. Eligibility

You must be at least 21 years of age to use Marto as a Renter or Driver. Vehicle Owners and Drivers must hold a valid Sierra Leonean driver's license and vehicle registration. All users must complete identity verification (KYC) before transacting on the Platform.

5. Platform Fees

Marto charges a service fee on each transaction. Renters pay a booking fee calculated as a percentage of the rental subtotal, and Owners are subject to a commission on completed bookings. For rides, Drivers pay a commission to Marto on each completed Trip. Fee and commission rates are displayed before you confirm and may be updated from time to time.

6. Payments & Escrow

All payments are processed through the Marto platform using integrated payment services. Rental payments are held in escrow until the booking is completed. Payouts to Owners are released after a grace period following booking completion. Refund policies apply as outlined in the Rental & Ride Policy.

Rides may be paid from your Marto wallet or in cash. When a Trip is paid in cash, the Driver collects the full fare in person and the commission owed to Marto is recorded against the Driver's account as an amount to be settled. If a Driver's unpaid commission passes the allowed limit, Marto may pause their access to new Trips until the balance is cleared.

7. User Conduct

Users agree not to misuse the Platform, provide false information, engage in fraudulent activity, damage rented vehicles, or violate any applicable laws of Sierra Leone. Marto reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

Drivers and Riders must follow road traffic laws, treat each other with respect, and must not start or continue a Trip while unfit to drive. A Driver must not carry more passengers than the vehicle is built for.

Users must not arrange, solicit, or complete bookings, trips, or payments outside the Platform. Any attempt to bypass Marto's booking, ride, or payment systems may result in immediate suspension or permanent ban, and related funds may be withheld or forfeited.

8. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between a Renter and an Owner, or between a Rider and a Driver, either party may raise a dispute through the Platform. Marto will review the dispute and may mediate a resolution, including partial or full refunds. Marto's decision in dispute resolution is final.

9. Limitation of Liability

Marto acts as an intermediary platform and is not responsible for the condition of vehicles, the conduct of users, or any damages arising from rentals or rides. Users acknowledge that rentals and rides are carried out at their own risk.

10. Modifications

Marto reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Users will be notified of changes and must accept the updated terms to continue using the Platform.

11. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in the courts of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

12. Contact

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact Marto support through the application or email support@marto.sl.