The government is gearing up to launch a new ride-hailing service, Bharat Taxi, aimed at empowering taxi drivers and providing them a fairer share of ride earnings. Announcing the initiative, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said the platform will operate under a cooperative model, ensuring drivers retain most, if not all, of the profits from their trips.
Unlike existing private taxi apps such as Uber and Ola, where the platform takes a significant commission, Bharat Taxi is designed to reduce drivers’ dependence on corporate firms. “Every penny of profit will go to the drivers,” Shah emphasized during an event in Panchkula, Haryana. The platform is managed by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a multi-state cooperative registered under the MSCS Act.
The service is expected to boost incomes for cab drivers, providing not only higher earnings but also benefits like insurance coverage. Officials highlighted that the cooperative structure allows drivers to be stakeholders in the platform, giving them more control over pricing, operations, and decision-making.
Bharat Taxi will operate across multiple vehicle segments, including cabs, motorcycles, and autorickshaws, expanding job opportunities while making affordable transport more accessible to the public. Pilot operations have already begun in select cities, and a full nationwide rollout is anticipated in the coming months.
Experts say this initiative could transform India’s ride-hailing ecosystem, offering an alternative to corporate apps while prioritizing driver welfare. With its cooperative framework, Bharat Taxi is expected to attract thousands of drivers seeking better financial stability and working conditions.
The government hopes this platform will become a model for future driver-owned services, promoting economic inclusion and sustainable livelihoods for taxi operators across the country.
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