‘Bharat Taxi’ app in Delhi — a major challenger to Ola and Uber

Balasahana Suresh
🚖 What Is ‘Bharat Taxi’?

Bharat Taxi is a new ride‑hailing app launched in india (Delhi‑NCR) on February 5 2026 as an alternative to major private aggregators like Ola, uber and Rapido. It is supported by the Government of india and cooperative institutions and is designed to be a driver‑owned, cooperative model rather than a conventional corporate platform.

Unlike ola and uber — where companies act as intermediaries and take significant commissions from drivers — Bharat Taxi lets drivers keep more earnings and share in profits, operating on a zero‑commission and surge‑free model.

🇮🇳 Launch & Backing

  • The app was officially launched in Delhi‑NCR after a pilot phase, with plans to expand nationwide in the next 2–3 years.
  • It’s backed by cooperatives and supported by the Ministry of Cooperation — aiming to put drivers (“Sarathis”) at the core of the business rather than treating them as gig workers.
This cooperative model is seen as part of a broader push to reimagine gig economy platforms where workers have both ownership and better social security.

💡 How It Differs from ola and Uber

Feature

Bharat Taxi

Ola & Uber

Commission for drivers

Zero (drivers keep full fare)

20–30% commissions typical

Surge Pricing

No surge pricing promised

Dynamic surge pricing

Driver Ownership

Cooperative, drivers can share profits

Drivers are contractors

Safety & Support

Verified drivers, support booths set up

Standard app customer support

This is designed to tackle long‑standing complaints by drivers about high commissions and unpredictable pricing on existing platforms.

📍 Current Status & Early Adoption

  • The app is live now in Delhi‑NCR and parts of Gujarat, with the pilot already showing thousands of rides daily.
  • During the pilot phase, over 3 lakh drivers joined and the platform completed 10,000+ rides per day.
  • Bharat Taxi supports cars, three‑wheelers and bike taxis — much like ola and Uber.
Many users have downloaded the app and are trying it out as a competition‑based alternative to traditional cab services.

📱 How to Book a Ride on Bharat Taxi

Booking with Bharat Taxi is similar to other ride‑hailing apps:

1. Download the App

  • Available on Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store).
2. Sign Up

  • Register with your mobile number and verify via OTP.
3. Set Pickup & Drop

  • Enter your pickup and destination details.
4. Choose Ride Type

  • Options like standard cab, XL, auto and bike rides (as available).
5. Confirm Booking

  • View the upfront fare, which is transparent and surge‑free, then confirm.
6. Track & Ride

  • Once booked, you can track your taxi in real time and complete your ride.
The app promises predictable fares without last‑minute surge spikes, unlike ola and uber during peak demand.

💰 Fares & User Experience So Far

  • Early reviews and data show that while Bharat Taxi may not always be the absolute cheapest every time, its pricing is often competitive and more stable — without peak‑hour hikes.
  • In one comparison, similar short rides cost ₹146 on Bharat Taxi, compared with ₹179 on Ola and ₹123 on Uber — showing a mixed but competitive fare structure.
Some users saw quick ride confirmations and shorter waits, indicating the platform works smoothly even with driver and trip matching.

⚙️ Why This Matters

This launch is significant because:

  • It introduces a government‑backed alternative in a market long dominated by private players.
  • It seeks to make ride‑hailing more equitable for drivers by enabling them to share in profits.
  • For riders, the promise of transparent pricing and no surge charges could mean more predictable travel costs.
Competition from Bharat Taxi could push ola and uber to improve pricing and service quality to hold on to customers.

📌 Bottom Line

The Bharat Taxi app is a new cooperative ride‑hailing service now active in Delhi‑NCR, aiming to challenge established players like Ola and Uber by offering surge‑free pricing, zero commission for drivers, and driver profit sharing. Booking rides works like other cab apps — with upfront pricing and app‑based tracking — and many users are already giving it a try as an alternative transport option.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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