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Government launches cooperative-owned Bharat Taxi to challenge Ola, Uber

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-owned ride-hailing platform aimed at reshaping India’s mobility sector by placing drivers at the centre of ownership and decision-making. The service seeks to challenge established private aggregators such as Uber and Ola by offering zero commission, no surge pricing and higher earnings for drivers.

According to the Cooperation Ministry, Bharat Taxi is designed to move away from aggregator-driven models that often leave drivers vulnerable to high commissions and fluctuating incentives. Under the new platform, drivers are expected to receive up to 80 per cent of the fare, significantly higher than existing industry norms.

Cooperative Model at the Core

Shah likened the Bharat Taxi initiative to the cooperative success of Amul, calling it a globally unique experiment in the transport sector. “In this system, every driver is the owner of the taxi. This structure has the potential to bring about a revolutionary economic transformation,” he said.

The ministry said the cooperative framework ensures that value generated through the platform remains within the driver community, helping them build long-term assets rather than operate as gig workers dependent on private platforms.

Zero Commission, No Surge Pricing

Unlike private ride-hailing apps, Bharat Taxi will not deduct a commission from each ride, and fares will remain free from surge pricing, officials said. The platform will support multiple vehicle categories, including auto-rickshaws, bike taxis, non-air-conditioned and air-conditioned cabs, as well as larger vehicles.

The app will be available on both Android and iOS, with phased onboarding planned across cities. The service is also expected to offer special provisions for women drivers, including zero commission, according to earlier announcements.

Government officials said Bharat Taxi aims to provide affordable rides for passengers while ensuring predictable incomes for drivers. By combining cooperative ownership with digital technology, the platform hopes to build a sustainable alternative in India’s fast-growing ride-hailing market.