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Government to launch ‘Bharat Taxi’ app to end drivers’ dependence on private platforms

The Government is set to launch Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-led digital mobility platform aimed at reducing the dependence of commercial vehicle drivers on private ride-hailing companies such as Ola and Uber. The initiative was announced by Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The proposed app is expected to bring a structural shift in India’s ride-hailing ecosystem by promoting a driver-first, transparent and cooperative-based model, positioning itself as a national alternative to existing private platforms.

Cooperative-Led Mobility Platform

In his response dated December 2, Amit Shah confirmed that the government plans to roll out a cooperative-led digital mobility app designed to empower commercial vehicle drivers and improve their earning potential. The app, named Bharat Taxi, will be operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a multi-state cooperative society registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.

The initiative follows discussions around the growing dependency of drivers on private aggregators and the high commission fees charged by them. By adopting a cooperative ownership model, Bharat Taxi aims to ensure that drivers have a greater stake in the platform and benefit directly from its operations.

Key Features of the Bharat Taxi App

According to the government, Bharat Taxi will offer a range of features focused on accessibility, safety, and transparency. These include user-friendly mobile ride booking, transparent fare calculation, real-time vehicle tracking, and 24/7 customer support.

The app will also support multilingual interfaces, secure and verified driver onboarding, and technology-enabled safety measures to enhance trust among users. Inclusive mobility options are expected to make the platform accessible to a wider section of citizens across regions.

Economic Benefits for Drivers and Passengers

One of the key differentiators of Bharat Taxi is its zero-commission model, allowing drivers to retain their full earnings from each ride. Any profits generated by the cooperative society will be distributed among its driver-members, rather than being retained by a private company.

The government has stated that the transparent pricing model will benefit both drivers and passengers, ensuring fair fares and predictable earnings. By eliminating high commission structures, the app aims to improve the financial stability of drivers while offering competitively priced services to users.

With Bharat Taxi, the government hopes to build a citizen-centric, cooperative-driven mobility platform that supports drivers’ livelihoods while offering reliable and affordable transportation to the public.