Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today officially launched India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, in New Delhi. Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. The platform operates on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model, with direct distribution of profits to drivers, presenting an indigenous alternative to foreign investment-based aggregator platforms.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Shah said that the government is not entering the taxi services sector, but it is the cooperative that is stepping in. He added that the cooperative taxi service will support drivers, enhance their earnings, and bring prosperity to them. The Minister further stated that Bharat Taxi will not charge any commission on the fares earned by the drivers.
On this occasion, nine Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged with key public and private stakeholders to strengthen operational integration, digital empowerment, safety, and service delivery.
Chief Executive Officer of Bharat Taxi, Vivek Pandya, has described Bharat Taxi as the world’s first mobility cooperative. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Mr Pandya said that Bharat Taxi will operate on a zero-commission model, ensuring drivers receive the full fare while customers benefit from more affordable and transparent pricing.
Talking to Akashvani News, Hariom, a driver from Delhi, said that during his earlier stint with a private company, he was addressed merely as a driver. He said that Bharat Taxi, on the other hand, recognises them as Saarathis, which is a mark of dignity and respect.
Another Driver Mukesh Prajapati from Gujarat, has said that Bharat Taxi empowers drivers by making them stakeholders in the platform. He noted that, unlike many private companies, Bharat Taxi operates with complete transparency and has no hidden charges.
Navabuddin, a driver from Delhi, has welcomed the Bharat Taxi initiative, calling it a highly beneficial platform for drivers. He said that while other companies charge commissions ranging from 20 to 25 per cent, Bharat Taxi ensures that drivers receive the full fare directly. He added that the platform offers medical and accident insurance along with several additional benefits for drivers.
The Ministry of Cooperation said that Bharat Taxi prioritises social security for drivers through health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings, and a dedicated driver support system. The platform provides rapid emergency assistance, verified ride data, and allows drivers the freedom to work on other platforms without any exclusivity clauses. It added that to promote women’s empowerment, initiatives such as Bike Didi are being implemented, under which more than 150 women drivers have joined Bharat Taxi so far.
