Our Bureau
New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based cab service, promising drivers 100% profits with no commissions, directly taking on private giants Ola and Uber. The nationwide rollout began, following successful pilots in Delhi and Gujarat, with over 3 lakh drivers joining in.
Operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, Bharat Taxi eliminates the 20-30% cuts drivers face elsewhere. Drivers retain full fares, plus revenue from vehicle ads and insurance perks provided by the government. Passengers gain from fixed, transparent pricing, no surge hikes during peak hours or bad weather. The app, available on Android and iOS, displays fares upfront, ensuring fairness.
Shah hailed it as a “game-changer” for cab drivers’ livelihoods as thousands of rides were completed in pilots, boosting driver incomes.
Unlike Ola and Uber’s corporate models, Bharat Taxi’s driver-owned structure curbs exploitative practices. Government subsidies sustain operations, stabilizing earnings amid rising fuel costs. As competition heats up, Bharat Taxi could reshape urban mobility, prioritizing cooperatives over profits. For riders, cheaper, reliable rides beckon in this bold Make-in-India push.
