Bharat Taxi Launches Cooperative Cab Service In Delhi

India’s ride-hailing market is set for a significant shift with the launch of Bharat Taxi, a government-backed cooperative cab service, in New Delhi on February 5. Designed as an alternative to private aggregators, the initiative aims to empower drivers through collective ownership and fairer earnings, positioning itself as a challenger to established platforms such as Uber and Ola.

Government Support And Official Launch

The Bharat Taxi app will be formally launched by Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah. Describing the initiative as a milestone for driver welfare, the minister stated that the cooperative model enables drivers to pool resources, become owners, and earn with dignity. The launch reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen cooperative enterprises in new-age service sectors.

Cooperative Ownership Model Explained

Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative framework, placing drivers at the centre of ownership, operations, and value creation. The service is being run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, with support from professionals associated with successful cooperative models such as Amul. Each driver, referred to as a ‘Sarathi’, holds five shares in the cooperative, ensuring collective decision-making and shared benefits.

How Bharat Taxi Differs From Private Aggregators

Unlike private cab aggregators, Bharat Taxi does not deduct commission from each ride. Instead, drivers pay a fixed daily fee of ₹30 to access the app. This model seeks to address long-standing grievances of drivers regarding high commission rates and income instability. By eliminating per-ride commissions, the platform aims to improve driver earnings and financial security.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-based taxi service.
• It operates under a driver-owned cooperative model.
• No per-ride commission is charged from drivers.
• The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Cooperation’s objectives.

Implications For Drivers And Urban Mobility

The launch of Bharat Taxi is expected to benefit thousands of taxi drivers by offering ownership rights and predictable costs. For commuters, the service promises transparent pricing and a socially driven alternative in urban mobility. If scaled successfully, the cooperative cab model could introduce greater competition and reshape India’s app-based transport ecosystem.