Representative image of cabs.
Credit: DH file photo
In cooperation with Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), India is set to launch it's first-ever cooperative cab service "Bharat Taxi" in November 2025 in Delhi. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by both commuters and drivers using private cab services.
What is Bharat Taxi?
Bharat Taxi is a new initiative aided by the Indian government that aims to build a robust, fairer system settling growing urban cab facility needs in the country.
The unique service model of the cab explains the brand "Bharat Taxi". This cooperative cab service offers a transparent, driver-owned alternative to private aggregators where drivers become members and shareholders instead only as 'employees'.
Why Bharat Taxi-cooperative cab service?
Bharat Taxi is expected to be as a materialistic solution for the long-standing challenges faced by both commuters and drivers using private cab services.
The model ensures all the stakeholders including the driver, the passenger behind the wheels have a voice in the system.
For passengers:
With regards to unpredictable surge pricing, lack of transparency, and inconsistent service quality, this model would become a relief as it is a central-managed cab service model.
For drivers:
The zero commission allows drivers to retain their full earnings, while fares remain fair and regulated, as Bharat Taxi is also a 'driver-owned' cab service model.
How does Bharat Taxi work?
It's a membership-driven model, accessed by paying a small fee to join and retain 100 per cent of their fare earnings.
The platform integrates with government digital services like DigiLocker and UMANG, ensuring seamless verification and service access as per the PIB release.
Private aggregators like Rapido tags drivers as 'Captain'. Likewise Bharat Taxi titles the members as “Saarthis” (meaning charioteers), symbolising the co-operative's vision of equality and partnership.
Bharat Taxi launch date
Bharat Taxi will reportedly begin in November 2025 in Delhi, featuring around 650 driver-owner cabs. Depending on its success, the government plans to expand the service to 20 cities by December 2025, with an ambitious target of 100,000 drivers by 2030.
Who runs Bharat Taxi?
Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited manages Bharat Taxi comprising cooperative leaders and driver representatives. It is backed by eight major institutions, renowned for its strong governance, transparency, and long-term sustainability for the initiative.