A New Ride Begins
The Indian transportation landscape is buzzing with the official debut of Bharat Taxi in New Delhi. This novel cab service operates on a cooperative framework,
receiving endorsement from the Indian Government. The app's inauguration was marked by the presence of the Union Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on February 5, 2026. This initiative is poised to bolster the cooperative sector while fostering a more 'citizen-centric' approach to urban mobility. Initially available in the Delhi-NCR region, the service plans a rapid expansion to other cities and states across the nation. Bharat Taxi's launch is a significant move, promising a fresh alternative in the competitive ride-hailing market.
Driver-Centric Ownership
Bharat Taxi distinguishes itself through its cooperative operational model, spearheaded by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, rather than being a direct government enterprise. This structure places drivers, referred to as 'Sarathis,' at the very heart of the service's ownership, daily operations, and the value it generates. The guiding principle is to liberate drivers from the perceived exploitative practices of private ride-hailing companies. This cooperative model has found inspiration from successful ventures like Amul, a testament to the power of collective ownership. The focus is on empowering the drivers, ensuring they benefit directly from their labor and participation in the platform.
Affordable Fares Explained
The operational mechanics of Bharat Taxi offer a stark contrast to existing platforms. Under its unique system, each participating driver holds five shares in the cooperative. Crucially, unlike Uber and Ola, Bharat Taxi does not deduct commissions from each fare. Instead, drivers are required to pay a modest, fixed daily access fee of Rs 30 for the app. This innovative approach is designed to address long-standing grievances from drivers regarding high commission rates and a perceived lack of autonomy on dominant ride-hailing apps. Passengers are set to benefit from potentially lower fares, with projections suggesting prices could be up to 30% more economical than those offered by private competitors. The savings that would typically be absorbed by commissions on traditional apps are now being passed on to the consumer, making rides more accessible.
Safety and User Focus
Bharat Taxi has already garnered a substantial driver base, reporting over 4 lakh registered individuals on its platform. To ensure passenger security, the app integrates robust safety features, including a dedicated helpline for immediate assistance. In collaboration with the Delhi Police, the service has established 35 specialized support booths to efficiently address any customer queries or concerns. Furthermore, all drivers undergo a thorough verification process, enhancing the overall safety for passengers utilizing the service. The platform has also been refining its user experience, mirroring the diverse ride categories found in established apps, such as AC and non-AC cabs, XL vehicles, autos, and bike taxis, all within a modern, intuitive interface.
Pilot Success Insights
Prior to its official launch, Bharat Taxi underwent a soft rollout in December 2025, encompassing Delhi and Gujarat. During this pilot phase, the service observed an impressive average of 5,500 rides each day, with a significant portion, around 4,000, being airport trips. This initial period provided valuable insights into user preferences and operational efficiency, informing subsequent app updates. The user experience has been a focal point, with the app now boasting a contemporary design and functionalities that rival those of leading ride-hailing services, ensuring a familiar yet improved journey for all users.
