Ashok Kumar, a taxi driver in New Delhi, and Dharmesh Goswami, who drives in Rajkot, face similar challenges. They both use a new ride-hailing app called Bharat Taxi, which aims to change the game for drivers across India. Launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the app promises zero commissions for drivers. Instead, it’s designed to support drivers directly, making it a driver-owned initiative.
The app is part of a project to help commercial vehicle drivers be less dependent on private companies. While the app initially launched in Delhi-NCR and Rajkot, it has since expanded to include cities like Ahmedabad.
However, after a couple of months, some drivers have expressed concerns about earnings. Ashok mentioned he earned less through the app than he would have without it, albeit he remains optimistic about future bookings. Dharmesh echoed similar sentiments, noting a slow start but hoping for gradual improvement as more customers begin to use the service.
Drivers appreciate this cooperative model, which allows them to buy shares when they sign up. This idea not only gives them a stake in the business but also ensures dividends when profits are realized.
Bharat Taxi is backed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a multi-state cooperative society, in partnership with the National Cooperative Development Corporation. This collaboration gives the platform unique advantages, like marketing support from established entities such as Amul. Currently, over 4 lakh drivers are signed up, with an impressive 10,000 rides being completed daily.
Recent data shows that at busy locations, such as airports, Bharat Taxi is steadily gaining traction. For instance, at the Delhi airport, the app has taken over pre-paid taxi booths, reportedly managing around 5,000 bookings each day.
Yet, not all experiences have been seamless. Some customers have faced queues and frustrations with rising prices. Anuroop Chauhan, a user, noticed fare hikes compared to previous taxi services, which has left him dissatisfied.
There are also concerns about competition and pricing. Nazir Mahervani, a taxi owner in Rajkot, pointed out that existing rates have not adjusted in years, despite rising costs for fuel and other expenses. Drivers hope Bharat Taxi can create fairer pricing standards that benefit everyone.
Vivek Pandey, COO of Bharat Taxi, noted that the company’s government backing allows it to adopt a transparent pricing model. They plan to use operational data to improve their pricing algorithms over time.
As Bharat Taxi continues to operate and expand, its impact on the ride-hailing market will become clearer. The cooperative model could reshape how drivers and customers interact, setting a precedent for future transportation services in India.
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