In a major move to make city travel more affordable, the Indian government has announced the launch of Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service. This initiative aims to tackle long-standing issues like surge pricing, high commissions, and lack of transparency in existing app-based taxi platforms.
Developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Bharat Taxi promises to revolutionize urban transportation by giving drivers ownership and ensuring fair pricing for passengers.
Empowering Drivers as Co-Owners
Unlike private cab companies that take large commissions from drivers, Bharat Taxi will allow them to become co-owners and shareholders in the cooperative. Drivers, now called “Saarthis”, will retain 100% of their earnings, gaining more control and dignity in their profession.
This structure ensures financial inclusion and equitable profit distribution, addressing one of the biggest pain points in the current ride-hailing ecosystem.
Transparent and Affordable Fares
Commuters will benefit from no surge pricing, predictable fares, and better accountability. Bharat Taxi’s digital integration with DigiLocker and UMANG ensures a seamless, tech-enabled experience for both passengers and Saarthis.
The pilot project is set to roll out in Delhi in November 2025 with around 650 driver-owners, expanding to other Indian cities by December 2025.
A Step Towards Cooperative Prosperity
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader “Sahakar se Samriddhi” vision — promoting cooperative enterprises that balance profit with social welfare. By empowering drivers and reducing commuter costs, Bharat Taxi marks a significant shift in India’s mobility sector.
If successful, it could serve as a national model for fair, transparent, and community-driven ride-hailing services.
