Privacy Policy

Overview

MBTA Widgets is designed with your privacy in mind. The app fetches real-time transit data directly from the public MBTA V3 API and stores your route selections on your device. We do not require an account, and we do not sell or share personal data.

Information We Collect

The app collects a minimal amount of anonymous, non-personal data to help us understand usage patterns and improve the app:

• Anonymous usage data — We use Firebase (Firestore) to record anonymous usage events such as app opens and feature usage. This data contains no personally identifiable information.
• Anonymous install identifier — A random identifier generated on first launch so usage events can be grouped by install. It is not linked to your identity, is separate from the push notification token, and is regenerated if you reinstall the app.
• Push notification tokens — If you start a Live Activity countdown, Firebase Cloud Messaging generates a token for your device so countdown updates can be delivered. The token is not linked to your identity, is used only to deliver those updates, and is regenerated if you reinstall the app or clear its data.

Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect, store, or have access to any of the following:

• Your name, email address, or any contact information
• Your location data (GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth)
• Persistent advertising or tracking identifiers (IDFA, advertising ID)
• Your saved routes or widget configurations (these stay on-device only)
• Any health, financial, or biometric data

Third-Party Services

The app relies on two external services:

• Firebase (Google) — Used for anonymous analytics (Firestore) and push notifications (Cloud Messaging). Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
• MBTA V3 Public API — Provides real-time predictions, schedules, and service alerts. Operated by MassDOT/MBTA. No personal data is sent with API requests.

Data Storage & Security

Your saved routes, widget configurations, and time-based overrides are stored locally on your device using iOS App Groups and UserDefaults. This data is never transmitted to any server.

Anonymous usage data stored in Firebase is retained only as long as needed for analytics purposes and is not linked to any individual user. Anonymous usage data is processed and stored by Google on servers in the United States.

Children's Privacy

MBTA Widgets does not knowingly collect any personal information from children under 13. Because we do not collect personal information from any user, the app is safe for all ages.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at:

ramini.p@northeastern.edu