Air travellers in India could soon enjoy fixed-fare airport taxi services without the stress of surge pricing, thanks to a new partnership between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bharat Taxi — a cooperative driver-owned cab platform.
Why This Matters
Passengers have long complained about unpredictable taxi fares at airports — especially during peak hours, adverse weather or late nights — when app-based ride aggregators raise prices through dynamic “surge pricing.” In response, AAI has teamed up with Bharat Taxi to offer transparent, regulated pricing with no hidden costs or dynamic fare hikes.
What the MoU Covers
Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 5, Bharat Taxi will be rolled out at 11 AAI-operated airports across the country in a phased manner. These include airports in cities such as Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Rajkot, Patna, Varanasi, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Agra.
How Bharat Taxi Is Different
Unlike conventional ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi operates through a driver-owned cooperative model — meaning drivers keep most of the earnings after operational costs. This structure is promoted by the National Cooperative Development Corporation and other cooperative institutions, designed to prioritise fair earnings and driver welfare.
The service promises:
- Fixed per-kilometre fares with no surge pricing
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Better earnings for drivers with ownership stakes
- Simplified booking through the dedicated Bharat Taxi app
Passenger Experience and Fairness
Passengers can expect a more predictable and affordable ride to and from airports — reducing uncertainty during busy travel periods. With transparent, fixed fares based on distance, flyers no longer have to deal with unexpected fare spikes.
Supporting Broader Goals
The initiative aligns with key national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Sahakar se Samriddhi, aiming to foster cooperative models within the gig economy while enhancing overall travel experiences at regional airports.
