Bharat Taxi Launch Today: Why the New Ride Hailing App Is Being Linked to Amul’s Model - Explained

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much-awaited Bharat Taxi has been launched by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (February 5). India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform is all set to become operational after a successful two month pilot operation. It signifies a pivotal moment in India's ride-hailing sector, as it introduces a cooperative model inspired by the renowned Amul dairy cooperative. The service has been initially launched in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, and will be expanded across all states and Union Territories within two years.

Why Bharat Taxi is Linked to Amul’s Model

Bharat Taxi is operated by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, based in New Delhi. This initiative seeks to emulate the successful Amul model, which has allowed farmers to own and govern their cooperative effectively. The goal is to provide drivers, referred to as 'Sarathi', with both a stake in the business and a voice in its governance.The app has already completed a successful pilot in cities including Delhi-NCR and Rajkot, attracting over 50,000 drivers to the platform. By adopting a cooperative structure, Bharat Taxi aims to reduce the high commission rates that burden drivers on traditional ride-hailing platforms, enabling them to retain a larger share of their earnings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJJQekdBeXY

Zero-Commission Model

Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission basis, allowing drivers to keep between 80% to 100% of their fares. Instead of a percentage deduction, drivers will pay a nominal daily fee of ₹30 to access the app. This model further aims to protect drivers from sudden changes in commission rates or surge pricing, issues that have long troubled the ride-hailing market.Additionally, the cooperative plans to provide welfare benefits, including health and accident insurance, to its drivers, reflecting the support services typical of agricultural cooperatives like Amul.Also Read: India’s Bharat Taxi Set to Launch: Ola and Uber Rival with Transparent Fares | All You Need To Know

Support from the Indian Government

The initiative enjoys backing from the Indian government and various cooperative organisations, including the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which has appointed Amul Managing Director Jayen Mehta as chairman of the cooperative. The government aims to expand Bharat Taxi's reach to all states and Union Territories within two years, thereby benefiting drivers across the nation.

All About Bharat Taxi

According to the cooperation ministry, Bharat Taxi has emerged as the world's first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, and the world's largest driver-owned mobility platform.Since its pilot launch, over 3 lakh drivers have joined the platform, more than 1 lakh users have registered, and over 10,000 rides have been completed daily in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat.Around Rs 10 crore has been distributed directly to drivers so far.Also Read: New Year Gift for Delhiites: Bharat Taxi to Roll Out in Delhi Soon - Launch Date and Key Details Inside

Saarthis, and not drivers

The drivers of the ‘Bharat Taxis’ would be called ‘Saarthis’ (Charioteer), and not ‘driver’, or ‘bhaiya’. The platform prioritises social security for drivers - 'Sarathis', through health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings and a dedicated support system.For a long time now, commuters have been complaining about the app-based taxis, stressing about the rude behaviour of drivers, surge charges, hidden charges, last-minute cancellations and whatnot. But with India’s ‘Bharat Taxi’, all these worries will be left behind with no surge fee or last-minute cancellations.