The central government is launching a new nationwide digital taxi platform, "Bharat Taxi," with the goal of enabling commercial vehicle drivers to have their own options, free from the reliance on private companies like Ola and Uber.
In the Lok Sabha, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated that the platform will operate under Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a multi-state cooperative created this year under the MSCS Act. Amit Shah said the government aims to create a mobile app with a cooperative model, allowing drivers greater control over their earnings and working conditions.
Zero-commission model for drivers
Bharat Taxi plans to operate on a zero-commission model. This means that the entire fare paid by passengers will go directly to the driver. Any additional profits generated through the cooperative will be distributed among the members. This model differs from private companies, where the company takes a percentage of each ride.
The service will have several features for both drivers and passengers such as:
- Easy booking process
- Clear fare information
- Real-time vehicle tracking
- Multilingual support
- Verified Driver Onboarding
- 24×7 customer support
- Safety options for travelers
These features aim to increase the confidence of both passengers and drivers and provide a uniform and transparent framework for drivers.
Fixed fare for passengers
Passengers will receive fixed fares. This means fares will remain unchanged during peak hours, holidays, or bad weather. The government believes this will give passengers an idea of their travel expenses and reduce disputes arising from fare fluctuations.
The cooperative model and the future
This initiative is part of the government's strategy to strengthen digital public infrastructure and prioritize public interest. The cooperative model allows drivers to participate in decision-making and operations. This could have implications for other digital services in the future, especially those related to gig workers.
As the launch progresses, the focus will be on: how many drivers join, whether the quality of service is maintained, whether it can scale, and whether there are already major players in the market. Bharat Taxi's success will depend on its reliability, ease of use, and profitability for drivers.
If it becomes popular, Bharat Taxi could become a significant option in India's transport network, with transparent rules and direct participation of drivers.