NEW DELHI: In a landmark move aimed at reshaping India’s ride-hailing ecosystem, the Central Government has announced the launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’, the country’s first cooperative-based cab service. The initiative, led jointly by the Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), is designed to offer a driver-centric, transparent, and citizen-first alternative to private aggregators like Ola and Uber.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
1. Cooperative Model with Zero Commission
- ‘Bharat Taxi’ will be operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, where drivers are co-owners of the platform.
- Unlike private operators that charge high commissions (often 25–30% per ride), this cooperative will follow a zero-commission model.
- Drivers will pay a nominal daily, weekly, or monthly membership fee instead of per-ride deductions, allowing them to retain 100% of their earnings.
- The structure is aimed at enhancing driver income and promoting collective ownership while ensuring affordable fares for passengers.
2. Launch and Expansion Plans
- A pilot phase of Bharat Taxi will begin in Delhi in November, enrolling around 650 drivers and vehicles.
- A nationwide rollout is planned for December, initially expanding to Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Jaipur.
- The goal is to reach 5,000 driver-members by early 2026 and over 1 lakh (100,000) across India by 2030, covering both urban and rural markets.
3. Institutional and Financial Backing
- The cooperative has been established with an authorized capital of ₹300 crore.
- It is supported by eight major cooperative institutions, including:
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO)
- Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF – Amul)
- This strong institutional framework is expected to ensure financial stability, governance transparency, and sustainable expansion.
4. Technology and Digital Integration
- Bharat Taxi will be an app-based service, seamlessly integrated with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu for secure identity verification and paperless transactions.
- The digital infrastructure aligns with the Digital India mission, ensuring real-time tracking, cashless payments, and citizen data protection.
- The app will also feature a cooperative governance dashboard for members to view revenue, operations, and decision-making updates.
5. Addressing Industry Concerns and Consumer Complaints
- The government’s move follows a surge in public dissatisfaction with existing private aggregators over:
- High commissions and low driver payouts
- Unpredictable surge pricing
- Frequent ride cancellations
- Lack of grievance redressal mechanisms
- By removing commission-based incentives, Bharat Taxi aims to ensure consistent and fair pricing, better driver accountability, and improved passenger satisfaction.
A New Model for Mobility Governance
Officials describe Bharat Taxi as more than just a ride-hailing platform — it represents a “cooperative revolution in the mobility sector”, balancing profitability with social responsibility. The model aims to demonstrate that digital innovation and cooperative ownership can coexist to create sustainable livelihoods and citizen-friendly services.
As the pilot begins, Bharat Taxi is being closely watched as a potential game-changer that could democratize India’s ride-hailing industry, reduce dependence on private aggregators, and empower drivers as stakeholders in the digital economy.
