Bharat Taxi Enrolls 8 Lakh Drivers, 41 Lakh Customers
NEW DELHI-Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, has registered nearly 8 lakh drivers and around 41 lakh customers as of July 25 and is targeting nationwide expansion by 2029, according to an official fact sheetreleased on August 17.
Established under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, Bharat Taxi was founded by eight national cooperative institutions, including NABARD, IFFCO, Amul, NAFED and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
The platform operates on a zero-commission model, allowing drivers, referred to as Sarathis, to retain their fare earnings while participating as member-owners of the cooperative.
According to the government, Bharat Taxi is currently operational in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kanpur and Pune.
It plans to expand to Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore and Nagpur in the coming months as part of its phased national rollout.
Bharat Taxi gives drivers a stake in ownership and governance. Sarathis can become member-owners by purchasing shares in the cooperative and are represented through reserved seats on its board.
The platform offers multiple ride categories, including bike taxis, autos, economy cabs, premium sedans, SUVs, rentals, outstation travel and scheduled rides.
It follows a transparent pricing system without surge pricing or additional platform charges. It has also introduced women-focused initiatives, including ‘Sarathi Didi’, which allows women passengers to opt for women drivers, and ‘Bike Didi’ to increase women’s participation in the transport sector.
Bharat Taxi has integrated its services with government digital platforms, including DigiLocker, UMANG and API Setu, through collaboration with the National e-Governance Division under the Digital India program, according to the government.
The platform has also partnered with institutions including the Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, State Bank of India, Paytm and IFFCO Tokio Insurance to strengthen service delivery, digital payments and insurance coverage.
Bharat Taxi said drivers associated with the platform are facilitated to register on the e-Shram portal, enabling access to social security benefits. Additional accident and health insurance support is also available through partner institutions.
The platform is part of the Ministry of Cooperation’s broader push to promote cooperative-based business models and seeks to combine digital mobility services with democratic ownership and greater economic participation. (IANS)
