Bharat Taxi Launched as India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

The government has launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform. The service promises driver ownership, fair income sharing, and affordable rides. After a successful pilot, Bharat Taxi has now entered commercial operations and aims to cover the entire country within three years. The move is being seen as a game-changer for drivers and passengers alike.

Bharat Taxi Launched What is it About?

• Bharat Taxi was officially launched by Amit Shah at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
• The platform has started commercial operations in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat after a two-month pilot.
• It is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing service, registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
• The government plans a pan-India rollout within three years, covering all States and Union Territories.

What Makes Bharat Taxi Different from Other Ride Apps

• The biggest strength of Bharat Taxi is driver ownership.
• Unlike private ride-hailing companies, Bharat Taxi allows drivers to become stakeholders.
• Profits are shared directly with drivers, giving them dignity and financial security.
• According to the Cooperation Ministry, this is the world’s largest driver-owned mobility platform.
• The platform follows four guiding principles ownership, security cover, dignity, and inclusive growth—making Bharat Taxi a people-centric alternative in the ride-hailing market.

Commission Model and Driver Earnings in Bharat Taxi

• The Bharat Taxi commission model is designed to favour drivers.
• Out of every ₹100 earned, ₹80 goes directly to the driver’s bank account, while the platform keeps only ₹20.
• This is much lower than existing private platforms. Bharat Taxi also follows a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model, ensuring transparency.
• The success of its pilot reportedly forced rival apps to reduce commissions and offer incentives, showing Bharat Taxi’s growing influence.

Services Offered Under Bharat Taxi Platform

• Through the Bharat Taxi app, customers can book cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers.
• This multi-mobility option makes the platform suitable for urban and semi-urban areas.
• With affordable fares and no surge pricing, Bharat Taxi aims to attract daily commuters, office-goers, and short-distance travellers.
• The cooperative structure ensures reliability and fair treatment for both drivers and passengers.

Expansion Plan and Early Success of Bharat Taxi

• Bharat Taxi plans to expand across India within three years, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya.
• As per official data, over 2.5 lakh drivers in Delhi-NCR have already joined the platform, and more than 8.5 lakh passengers are registered.
• The platform is backed by eight major cooperative organisations, and agreements with large companies are in the final stages, strengthening its future prospects.

Question

Q. Bharat Taxi is registered under which Act?

A. Companies Act, 2013
B. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
C. Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
D. Consumer Protection Act, 2019