Discover ‘Bharat Taxi’: India’s Inaugural Cooperative Cab Service Set to Challenge Major Players

To address growing concerns about private taxi services like Ola and Uber, the Indian government has introduced Bharat Taxi, a new cooperative taxi service. This initiative aims to create a fairer system for both drivers and passengers.

Unlike traditional ride-hailing apps, Bharat Taxi will not charge commissions to drivers, allowing them to keep their entire earnings. This cooperative model is expected to attract more drivers, posing a significant challenge to established companies.

Bharat Taxi is set to launch its pilot program in Delhi with 650 drivers and vehicles beginning in November. A full rollout is scheduled for December, aiming to expand to about 20 cities with around 5,000 drivers.

The project is developed by the Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division, operating under the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, which started with a capital of ₹300 crore. This cooperative structure means that every driver becomes a co-owner, promoting a sense of community and shared responsibility.

The service will feature a user-friendly mobile app available in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Gujarati, and Marathi. Users can easily book rides, while drivers will pay a small membership fee, enabling them to retain 100% of their earnings.

Bharat Taxi has grand plans for expansion. By 2030, it aims to include operations in major cities and district headquarters, eventually offering a platform for 100,000 drivers. This model represents a shift toward fair compensation for drivers and transparent pricing for customers.

Insights and Trends

Experts suggest that this cooperative approach could reshape urban transportation in India. According to a recent survey by the Indian Ministry of Transport, 70% of passengers feel unsatisfied with current ride-hailing apps due to high fares and service inconsistencies. A cooperative service like Bharat Taxi might address these pain points by ensuring stability in pricing and service quality.

Social media reactions have also been positive, with many users expressing excitement about a fairer option for both drivers and riders. This model encourages local economies as more drivers become part of their communities.

In contrast to traditional models focusing solely on profits, Bharat Taxi emphasizes sustainability and cooperation, potentially setting a precedent for future transportation initiatives in India and beyond. For more details on transportation policies in India, check the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

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