Bharat Taxi Enters Market, Promises Low Fares and Direct Challenge to Ola and Uber

India’s cab aggregation sector is set to witness a significant shift with the official launch of Bharat Taxi, the country’s first cooperative-based taxi service, on Thursday. The app is being launched by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah at an event held at Vigyan Bhawan, marking a new entrant aimed directly at private ride-hailing platforms such as Ola and Uber.

In the initial phase, Bharat Taxi services will be available across Delhi-NCR

. The platform will subsequently expand in a phased manner to major metropolitan cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, according to officials associated with the initiative.

Driver-Ownership Model at the Core

The defining feature of Bharat Taxi is its driver-ownership model. Unlike existing platforms that charge drivers substantial commissions, Bharat Taxi will operate without any commission fees. Drivers on the platform will not only provide services but will also function as co-owners

, a move being positioned as a step towards financial empowerment and cooperative growth.

Drivers to Become Cooperative Partners

Under the model, every driver joining Bharat Taxi will receive five shares in the cooperative society, granting them direct ownership in the organisation. Drivers will be required to pay only a nominal membership fee, with flexible options for daily, weekly or monthly payments, making participation accessible even for small-scale operators.

Fares to Be Up to 30 Per Cent Lower

Bharat Taxi claims its fares will be up to 30 per cent cheaper

than prevailing market rates. The platform will not implement surge pricing, ensuring passengers are not charged extra during peak hours, traffic congestion or adverse weather. All fares will be pre-determined, offering greater transparency to users.

Multiple Ride Options

The app will offer services across three categories—bike, auto and car, allowing passengers to choose transport options based on their budget and travel needs. This multi-modal approach aims to make daily commuting more affordable and flexible.

Insurance and Financial Support for Drivers

In a bid to enhance social security for drivers, Bharat Taxi will provide personal accident insurance of ₹5 lakh

and family health insurance of ₹5 lakh to all registered drivers. Additionally, the platform plans to facilitate vehicle loans with easy repayment options in the future under the Multi-State Cooperative Society Act, enabling drivers to purchase and own vehicles.

Strong Response Ahead of Launch

Even before its official launch, Bharat Taxi has reported encouraging participation. Since its inception on June 6, 2025

, the platform has onboarded over 3 lakh drivers, while more than 1 lakh users have already registered. These early figures indicate strong interest and support for the cooperative model in India’s evolving mobility landscape.