The Indian government is about to launch Bharat Taxi, a new ride-hailing service aimed at improving drivers’ earnings and welfare. This initiative is led by the Ministry of Cooperation and should go live within a month or two. It’s being marketed as a strong alternative to popular apps like Ola and Uber.
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah recently announced the service, emphasizing its goal to tackle income issues that cab drivers face across the country. He stated that the current models benefit app companies more than the drivers, and he wants to change that. “We want profits to go to our driver brothers,” he said.
Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission model, meaning drivers keep all the money made from rides. This is a big shift from existing platforms, which often take a significant cut. The service is run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, with backing from well-known organizations like Amul and NABARD, which aim to create a fairer income model for drivers.
In addition to better pay, Bharat Taxi plans to offer insurance for drivers, addressing a major lack of social security in the informal transport sector. Drivers will also have the option to display ads on their vehicles, providing an additional income source. Interest in the platform has been high, with over 51,000 drivers signing up shortly after the announcement.
For passengers, the government-backed app promises a clearer and more consistent ride experience. It aims to reduce or eliminate surge pricing, something that often frustrates users during peak times. The app will also feature real-time vehicle tracking, ride-sharing details with trusted contacts, and 24/7 customer support.
Safety is another key priority. The app will ensure drivers go through a thorough verification process before they can start working. Moreover, it plans to collaborate with local police, such as the Delhi Police, to enhance passenger security.
Currently, a beta version of the Bharat Taxi app is available on Android and iOS in select regions like Delhi and parts of Gujarat. Future plans may include integrating with platforms like DigiLocker to streamline document verification.
This initiative represents an important step in cooperative-led digital mobility, focusing on making ride-hailing more equitable in India. If successful, it could reshape how drivers earn and how passengers experience ride-hailing services.
In this age of gig economy, where workers often face uncertainty, Bharat Taxi offers a different path, focusing on the welfare and earnings of drivers while promising a more pleasant experience for passengers.
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