Is Bharat Taxi India's First Cooperative-Model Ride-Hailing App Launching Today?
Synopsis
The launch of Bharat Taxi, India's first ride-hailing app based on a cooperative model, is set to disrupt the market dominated by giants like Uber and Ola. This government-backed initiative focuses on empowering drivers with a zero-commission model and aims to transform urban mobility.
Key Takeaways
Bharat Taxi is India's first cooperative ride-hailing app.
The app implements a zero-commission model for drivers.
Initial ride payments will go completely to the drivers.
The app aims to integrate with public transit systems.
Safety features include emergency alerts and team access.
Mumbai, Feb 5 (NationPress) - On Thursday, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will introduce Bharat Taxi, marking the debut of India's first ride-hailing application grounded in a cooperative model. This app aims to provide a government-supported alternative to popular services like Uber, Ola, and Rapido.
Backed by the Ministry of Cooperation and managed by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, Bharat Taxi is being promoted as a mobility service owned by drivers, implementing a zero-commission model during its initial phase, ensuring 100% of ride payments go straight to the drivers.
The Ministry of Cooperation emphasized that this platform will liberate drivers, referred to as Sarathis, from exploitative practices of aggregator models.
Fare structure includes a minimum charge of Rs 30 for rides up to 4 km; Rs 23 per km for rides between 4-12 km; and Rs 18 per km for distances exceeding 12 km.
Like other ride-hailing services, Bharat Taxi will also connect with public transport options like the Metro, enabling users to plan their travel using multiple transport modes through a single application.
Initially, drivers will receive all ride payments, but in a later phase, the cooperative might retain around 20% as a fee, which will be redistributed to drivers as incentives.
In contrast to existing platforms, Bharat Taxi is set to avoid surge pricing, although dynamic pricing could be applied in certain circumstances.
As per the Ministry of Cooperation, over 150 women drivers have signed up for Bharat Taxi thus far.
The app has seen a remarkable uptick in registrations, with around 40,000 to 45,000 new users joining each day over the past two days.
According to a January post from the Ministry of Cooperation on social media platform X, Bharat Taxi has surpassed four lakh registered customers.
Available on both Android and iOS, the app has achieved a ranking of ninth on the Google Play Store and thirteenth on Apple’s App Store.
Safety features include options to notify emergency contacts, contact a safety team, and activate a siren directly through the app.
The registration process is straightforward, needing only basic information like a mobile number, name, and email address.
In line with services like Ola and Uber, Bharat Taxi intends to establish designated pickup and drop-off zones at airports, with plans to expand to other transport hubs in the future.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Bharat Taxi's launch in the evolving landscape of ride-hailing services in India. With its cooperative model, this initiative could potentially reshape the dynamics between drivers and aggregator platforms, ensuring fairer earnings and greater autonomy for drivers. This development aligns with the government's commitment to promoting cooperative enterprises, showcasing a promising shift in the mobility sector.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bharat Taxi?
Bharat Taxi is India's first ride-hailing app based on a cooperative model, aimed at empowering drivers and ensuring they receive 100% of ride payments.
How does the fare structure work?
The fare for rides is Rs 30 for up to 4 km, Rs 23 per km for 4-12 km, and Rs 18 per km for distances over 12 km.
What makes Bharat Taxi different from other ride-hailing services?
Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission model initially, with plans to avoid surge pricing and empower drivers with full earnings.
Is the app available on multiple platforms?
Yes, Bharat Taxi is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
What safety features does the app offer?
The app includes features such as emergency contact alerts, access to a safety team, and an in-app siren for immediate assistance.
