Gandhinagar, Gujarat—When you hear “cooperative,” you might think of Amul’s milk success. But in Gujarat, a new digital movement called Bharat Taxi is changing the game of transportation. This isn’t just another app; it’s a fresh approach to mobility and ownership, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
Bharat Taxi, launched on February 5 by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, empowers drivers to become owners of the platform. According to the Gujarat state government, it’s now the world’s largest driver-owned mobility cooperative.
Jayen Mehta, Bharat Taxi’s Chairman and MD of Amul, calls this a shift in the industry. “By creating a driver-owned model, we ensure that drivers keep all their earnings. This approach restores dignity and sets a new standard for cooperative growth in mobility.”
Traditionally, drivers faced high commissions and income instability. Bharat Taxi is flipping that model. By eliminating middlemen, drivers become direct stakeholders. Reports show that since joining the platform, drivers have seen their monthly income increase by 25% to 30%. This change means more financial security and improved living conditions for many families.
Take Praveen Thakor, a driver for Bharat Taxi. He says, “Other platforms weren’t profitable. Now, with Bharat Taxi, we earn better rates and get great feedback.” The cooperative model is not only well-received by drivers; it’s also offering a better experience for passengers. Unlike private companies that use variable pricing, the stable rate here is about 15% lower on average, making rides more affordable.
Janak Barot, another driver, emphasizes the benefits: “Here, there are no commissions, and payments go straight to us. We feel like real owners. Where others charge Rs 30/km, we charge Rs 17-18, benefiting customers too. Soon, we’ll also have perks like pensions and insurance.”
With over 600,000 drivers across India, including 100,000 in Gujarat, and more than 3.5 million app downloads, Bharat Taxi is expanding quickly. After strong feedback in Ahmedabad and Surat, Vadodara is the next city on the list. The company is using clever marketing strategies to connect with users directly in busy places like IT parks and housing societies.
Ajay Kumar Gupta, President of the Ahmedabad Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union, highlights the appeal: “People love that this is an Indian company with zero commissions. The onboarding process is quick; you can be approved within 12 hours.”
Safety features are also a priority. The app includes direct SOS integration with the Gujarat Police, ensuring both drivers and passengers feel secure. Connecting routes to pilgrimage sites like Somnath and Dwarkadhish broadens its reach beyond just urban transport.
To maintain high service standards, Bharat Taxi has trained over 10,000 drivers in digital skills and customer service. Their partnership with local transit systems has transformed commuting, making it a smoother experience for everyone.
Bharat Taxi isn’t just a new app. It’s a fresh start for drivers, offering them ownership, stability, and a voice in a changing industry. As this movement grows, it shows the potential of cooperative models in reshaping local economies and lives.
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