India launches its first cooperative ride-hailing platform ‘Bharat Taxi’, where drivers become stakeholders through zero commission model

The Government of India has launched Bharat Taxi, the nation's first ride-hailing platform operated under a cooperative model, setting it apart from conventional app-based services such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido.

All you need to know about Bharat Taxi

Bharat Taxi empowers its drivers, known as Sarathis, through a zero-commission model, enabling them to retain the majority of their earnings.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah met with Bharat Taxi drivers in New Delhi on Monday, February 23, for a 40-minute interaction.

The meeting centred on outlining the cooperative model and addressing drivers’ concerns following the platform’s launch on February 5.

Shah said that drivers can benefit from the platform’s growth by investing just Rs 500.

For example, if Bharat Taxi earns Rs 25 crore in three years, 20% stays with the platform, and 80% is returned to drivers based on the distance they have driven, ensuring higher earnings and long-term benefits for drivers.

Shah also shared that, unlike traditional ride-hailing companies, which concentrate wealth with one owner, Bharat Taxi provides the wealth into the hands of the workers.

"The purpose of running those companies is to make the owners rich. Our purpose is also to make the owners rich. The only difference is that you are the owner," he said.

Bharat Taxi distinguishes itself through its cooperative structure, where every driver is a co-owner rather than merely a service provider.

Instead of paying a commission on each trip, drivers contribute a nominal daily fee of about ₹30 and retain the bulk of their earnings.

By comparison, platforms such as Uber and Ola typically deduct 20–25% per ride, while Rapido charges roughly 18% commission or a daily pass fee

Bharat Taxi follows a fixed-fare model without surge pricing, ensuring stable rates even during peak hours or adverse weather.

During high-demand periods, fares can be up to 30% lower than those of other ride-hailing services.

The platform provides transparent pricing, multilingual support, real-time vehicle tracking, and round-the-clock customer assistance.

Safety remains a key focus, with verified drivers and coordination with the Delhi Police and other authorities to provide secure travel for both passengers and drivers.

Passengers can choose from AC, Premium, non-AC, and XL cab options. The app aims for quick pickups, often within two minutes, while maintaining competitive pricing.

The base fare starts at ₹30 for up to 4 km. Trips between 4 and 12 km are charged at ₹23 per km, and rides beyond 12 km cost ₹18 per km.

Bharat Taxi also integrates with public transport systems such as the Metro, enabling smoother multimodal travel planning.

The platform plans to introduce dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones at airports, with future expansion to other major transport hubs.

Additional safety measures include emergency contact alerts, a dedicated safety team, and an in-app siren feature.

According to the Ministry of Cooperation, by February 4, nearly 10 lakh users had registered on the platform and around 4 lakh drivers had signed up.

Close to ₹10 crore has already been disbursed directly to drivers, all of whom undergo verification to ensure passenger safety.

For now, the taxi service will be available at 10 Delhi Metro stations, including New Delhi, Kashmere Gate, Millennium City Centre Gurugram, Botanical Garden, Lajpat Nagar, Vaishali, Hauz Khas, Sikandarpur, Rajiv Chowk and Noida Sector 62.

Services are also available in some cities of Gujarat - Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka.

Here’s how you can book a ride on the app

Step 1: Download the Bharat Taxi app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 2: Open the app and register using your mobile number, then verify it with the OTP sent to you.

Step 3: Fill in your basic personal details to complete your profile.

Step 4: During sign-up, you can indicate any disability to ensure improved accessibility and comfort.

Step 5: After registration, go to the home screen and select your preferred ride category.

Step 6: Book city rides, intercity trips, or Metro-connected journeys directly through the app.

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