The Government of India has extended institutional support to Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-owned digital mobility platform that seeks to offer an alternative to private ride-hailing aggregators by placing drivers at the centre of ownership and operations.

Launched under the vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi”, Bharat Taxi is being positioned as India’s first large-scale, cooperative-led cab service, focused on transparent pricing, fair earnings for drivers and affordable transport for commuters.

What Is Bharat Taxi and Who Runs It

Bharat Taxi operates under Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a Multi-State Cooperative Society registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Unlike conventional cab platforms, drivers on Bharat Taxi are not just service providers but cooperative members with ownership stakes.

The initiative is supported by major national cooperative institutions, including the National Cooperative Development Corporation, NABARD, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, Amul, NAFED, the National Dairy Development Board and the National Cooperative Export Limited. While the government is not involved in daily operations, it is actively promoting the cooperative framework behind the platform.

A Driver-First Alternative to Aggregator Models

Bharat Taxi has been conceived as a community-owned alternative to commission-based ride-hailing services. The platform follows a zero-commission model, allowing drivers to retain the full fare earned from each ride.

Under the cooperative structure, driver-members are expected to benefit from collective decision-making, profit-sharing mechanisms and long-term financial participation, moving away from high platform fees that have been a longstanding concern in the sector.

For passengers, the platform promises safe, reliable and cost-effective mobility with upfront fare visibility and reduced dependence on surge pricing.

Pilot Launch and Expansion Plans

The service has been pilot-launched in Delhi–National Capital Region and parts of Gujarat’s Saurashtra region. Based on feedback and operational readiness, Bharat Taxi is expected to expand to major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, followed by tier-2 cities and semi-urban areas.

The government has indicated that the platform is intended to strengthen last-mile and point-to-point connectivity, especially in regions where ride-hailing services remain inconsistent or limited.

Booking, App and Accessibility Features

Bharat Taxi is accessible through a mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms. Users can register using their mobile number and book city rides, intercity travel and metro-linked services.

The app includes features aimed at accessibility, allowing users to indicate specific needs, including disabilities, during registration. Real-time tracking, emergency support and customer assistance are expected to be part of the platform’s core offerings.

Fare Structure and Transparency

One of the key selling points of Bharat Taxi is its pricing model. The platform aims to offer transparent, upfront fares with minimal fluctuation during peak hours. While fares are expected to remain competitive with existing services like Ola and Uber, the emphasis is on predictability rather than aggressive discounting.

For drivers, the absence of commission is expected to translate into higher take-home earnings and improved financial stability.

Why Bharat Taxi Matters

Bharat Taxi represents a significant policy experiment in applying cooperative principles to the digital economy. By extending the cooperative movement into urban mobility, the initiative aligns with broader government goals of inclusive growth, fair competition and sustainable livelihoods.

If scaled successfully, Bharat Taxi could reshape how technology-enabled public services are delivered, proving that platform-based businesses do not have to rely solely on investor-driven models.

The Road Ahead

As India’s urban transport needs continue to grow, Bharat Taxi’s success will depend on execution, service quality and user trust. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the cooperative-led model can compete effectively in a market dominated by private aggregators.

For now, Bharat Taxi marks a notable shift in India’s mobility landscape, one that blends technology with community ownership and signals a new direction for platform-based public services.