Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah introduced Bharat Taxi, India’s inaugural cooperative-driven ride-hailing service, following a successful two-month trial. The service is set to expand nationwide within the next three years, starting from Delhi-NCR and Gujarat and eventually covering all states and Union Territories. Drivers associated with Bharat Taxi will share in the profits, offering car, three-wheeler, and two-wheeler rides through a digital platform.
Shah, speaking at an event, expressed plans for Bharat Taxi to reach every corner of India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya, within three years. He highlighted that the initiative, which is not government-owned but a cooperative effort, aims to benefit taxi drivers by granting them ownership and prioritizing their welfare. Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission model initially, ensuring that 100% of ride payments go directly to drivers.
Bharat Taxi, positioned as a driver-owned mobility service, offers a minimum fare of Rs 30 for up to 4 km, Rs 23 per km for 4-12 km, and Rs 18 per km for rides exceeding 12 km. The platform, known as Sarathis, aims to liberate drivers from exploitative aggregator-based systems. It also integrates with public transit like the Metro, enabling users to plan and complete multi-modal journeys through a single app.
The app, available on Android and iOS, prioritizes driver welfare and user convenience. It has gained popularity, ranking ninth on Google Play Store and thirteenth on Apple’s App Store. The sign-up process is simple, requiring only basic details such as a mobile number, name, and email address.
