Privacy Policy

GOLDEN CRESCENT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Effective Date: February 11, 2026

Introduction

The Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission ("GCRPC," "we," "us," or "our") is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, formed in 1968 under the Regional Planning Act of 1965 and codified under Chapter 391 of the Texas Local Government Code. We are committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who use our services, visit our website (www.gcrpc.org), or interact with us through other communication channels. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information.

GCRPC serves the seven-county Golden Crescent region encompassing Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, and Victoria counties, providing services including public transportation (fixed-route, paratransit, and non-emergency medical transportation), aging and community services, emergency communications (9-1-1), economic development, homeland security planning, and environmental resource management.

Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

Request or schedule public transportation services (fixed-route, paratransit, or non-emergency medical transportation)

Apply for or receive aging and community services

Subscribe to newsletters or public notices

Submit public comments, feedback, or complaints

Apply for employment or volunteer opportunities

This information may include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, date of birth, disability status (for ADA paratransit eligibility), medical information (for non-emergency medical transportation), and other information necessary to provide the requested services.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited, and the dates and times of your visits. This information is collected through standard web server logs and may include the use of cookies or similar technologies.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from other government agencies, healthcare providers, or authorized third parties in connection with program eligibility determinations, service coordination, or as required by federal or state programs.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Providing and managing public transportation services, including scheduling, dispatching, fare collection, and ADA compliance

Delivering aging and community services, including case management and referrals

Processing service requests and responding to inquiries

Sending service-related communications, including ride confirmations, schedule changes, service alerts, and public notices via phone, email, or text message (SMS)

Complying with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, including those of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Improving our services, website, and operations through data analysis

Ensuring the safety and security of our services and systems

Administering grants and fulfilling obligations to funding agencies

SMS/Text Messaging

GCRPC may offer SMS (text message) communications for service alerts, ride notifications, appointment reminders, and other transportation-related updates. By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to text messaging, you consent to receive these messages.

Message frequency varies based on your service usage and preferences

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan

You may opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message

For help with text messaging, reply HELP or contact us at 361-578-1587

We do not share your phone number or SMS opt-in data with third parties for their marketing purposes

Text messages are transmitted through third-party service providers who are contractually obligated to protect your information. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Disclosure of Your Information

As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, GCRPC is subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552, Texas Government Code). Certain information in our possession may be subject to public disclosure upon request, unless an exception under the Act applies.

We may also share your information with:

Federal, state, and local government agencies as required for program administration, reporting, and compliance

Contracted service providers who assist in delivering our programs and services, subject to appropriate data protection agreements

Law enforcement agencies when required by law or to protect public safety

Auditors and oversight bodies as required by grant conditions or government regulations

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for commercial or marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include access controls, encryption of sensitive data in transit, secure storage systems, and regular security assessments. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods are determined in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules and applicable federal requirements.

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

Your Rights

Under the Texas Public Information Act, you have the right to request access to public information held by GCRPC, subject to applicable exceptions. To submit a public information request, please contact us using the information provided below.

If you wish to update, correct, or request deletion of personal information you have provided to us, please contact us and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.

Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by GCRPC. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Accessibility

GCRPC is committed to ensuring that our digital communications and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, consistent with our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you need this privacy policy in an alternative format, please contact us.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will post the updated policy on our website with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission

1908 N. Laurent, Suite 600A

Victoria, Texas 77901

Phone: 361-578-1587

Email: contact@gcrpc.org

Website: www.gcrpc.org