Bharat Taxi has officially launched as India’s first cooperative‑led ride‑hailing service, aiming to offer a new model in the urban mobility space where drivers are co‑owners rather than gig workers. The platform was introduced by Union home and Cooperation minister Amit Shah in New delhi on February 5, 2026.

This marks a significant step in India’s transport technology ecosystem — moving away from traditional privately controlled cab aggregators to a driver‑centric cooperative model that promises fairer earnings and transparent service for both drivers and passengers.

🌍 What Makes Bharat Taxi Unique?

✅ Cooperative Ownership Model

Unlike conventional ride‑hailing apps, Bharat Taxi operates under a cooperative model registered under the Multi‑State Cooperative Societies Act. This means drivers are not just service providers — they are shareholders and co‑owners of the platform.

📉 Zero Commissions & No Surge Pricing

The app eliminates high commissions and surge pricing, a long‑standing concern in the ride‑hailing industry. drivers retain their full earnings, and passengers benefit from more stable and predictable fares.

🚕 Fairer driver Benefits

Under the cooperative framework:

Drivers (“Sarathis”) receive direct profit sharing.

They are free to work on other platforms simultaneously.

Health and accident insurance coverage is provided.

Retirement savings and social security measures are also being planned.

🛣 Nationwide Expansion Plan

Though Bharat Taxi’s official launch began in Delhi‑NCR and Gujarat, the plan is to roll out services nationwide over the next few years. The cooperative’s leadership has announced that the platform will expand to cover all states and Union Territories, aiming to reshape India’s cab‑hailing market across the country.

The launch event itself saw participation by thousands of cooperative representatives and drivers, reflecting strong grassroots support within the cooperative movement.

📱 Features & User Experience

🚗 Passenger Features

Transparent pricing without surge.

Easy app registration and booking process.

Support for everyday rides like autos, bikes, and taxis.

Focus on safety with rapid emergency assistance and verified ride data.

👨‍🔧 Driver Experience

Ownership through cooperative shareholding.

No exclusivity constraints — drivers can use other apps.

Dedicated support centres for assistance and onboarding.

🧠 Why Bharat Taxi Matters

The launch of Bharat Taxi represents more than a new app — it is a strategic shift in India’s gig economy, promoting cooperative ownership as an alternative to venture‑backed models dominated by private players like ola and Uber. It encourages greater financial inclusion, dignified earnings for drivers, and a fairer ride‑hailing ecosystem.

Analysts note that the platform’s success will depend on its ability to scale reliably while maintaining service quality and user confidence.

🧾 Quick Recap

Aspect

Details

Launched

Feb 5, 2026

Launched by

Union home & Cooperation minister Amit Shah

Model

Driver‑owned cooperative

Pricing

Zero commission, no surge

Expansion

Phase‑wise nationwide rollout planned

Key Focus

Driver welfare, affordable rides, transparent service

 

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