What is This Cooperative Taxi Network?
The service is called Bharat Taxi, and it operates on a cooperative model, a first for India's ride-hailing industry. Instead of being run by a large corporation that takes a significant commission from each ride, Bharat Taxi is owned and operated by the
drivers themselves, who are called 'Sarathis'. This structure is designed to put more money into drivers' pockets and create a more equitable system. The platform is backed by the Ministry of Cooperation and supported by major Indian cooperative institutions like Amul and IFFCO. The goal isn't necessarily to replace private players like Ola and Uber, but to provide a driver-centric alternative.
The 'Sarathi Hi Malik' Model
The core philosophy is 'Sarathi Hi Malik' (The driver is the owner). Unlike private aggregators that can take 20-30% in commission, Bharat Taxi works on a zero-commission model. Drivers keep 100% of the fare and instead pay a small, fixed daily or monthly subscription fee to use the platform. To join, drivers purchase a nominal share, making them co-owners of the cooperative. This gives them a stake in the company and a share in the profits, with 80% of profits distributed back to the drivers based on the distance they travel.
Availability in the Six Key Regions
Bharat Taxi has been rolling out its services in phases and is now active across six key states and union territories. As of August 2026, the service is operational in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh. The platform has already registered over 8.27 lakh drivers across these regions, with Delhi-NCR having the largest concentration of 'Sarathis'. The service includes cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis, catering to a wide range of commuter needs.
What Are the Benefits for Passengers?
For riders, the primary appeal is the potential for more stable and transparent pricing. Because the cooperative model aims to reduce operational overheads and eliminate high commissions, fares could be more affordable. Officials have suggested fares could be up to 30% cheaper than competitors. The platform has also promised to limit surge pricing, a common pain point for users of other apps. Additionally, the service is integrating with local police and setting up dedicated help booths to enhance passenger safety. With drivers being co-owners, the expectation is a higher level of service and accountability.
Future Expansion Plans
The current six-region presence is just the beginning. The cooperative has ambitious plans for growth, aiming to expand into 500 cities within the next two years. Cities slated for launch in the coming months include Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore, and Nagpur. The strategy includes a focus on Tier-2 cities, where two-wheelers are a popular mode of transport, and the introduction of inter-city services, such as between Mumbai and Pune. This expansion is part of a broader government push to strengthen the cooperative sector across India.
