Bharat Taxi online service launched to take on Uber, Ola, and Rapido

India’s cab market is getting a new player, and this one comes with government backing. Bharat Taxi has officially launched as a cooperative ride-hailing platform, giving drivers more control while offering passengers cheaper and more predictable fares.

The service is rolling out first in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and is expected to expand across the country in phases. And as you’d expect, Bharat Taxi is here to take on giants like Uber, Ola, and Rapido. Here’s all you need to know about Bharat Taxi.

What makes Bharat Taxi different?

Unlike traditional ride apps, Bharat Taxi works on a cooperative ownership structure. This means drivers are treated like stakeholders instead of gig workers. The idea is built around a driver-first approach, where earnings and benefits are more directly linked to the people running rides.

The platform also focuses heavily on transparent pricing for both drivers and riders. Drivers will have to pay a fixed daily fee of Rs 30 to access the app. Riders, on the other hand, can expect 30 per cent cheaper rides than private ride-hailing apps.

Another big highlight is the no surge pricing promise, which aims to make fares predictable even during peak hours or bad weather.

Bharat Taxi is also aimed at pushing social and economic inclusion. The platform includes initiatives to support women drivers and is said to build a driver-owned mobility ecosystem, rather than a commission-heavy aggregator model.

Bharat Taxi is entering the space as an indigenous, cooperative alternative with a zero commission structure for drivers and profit sharing built into the system. However, as mentioned, there’s a daily fee, but other than that, no hidden charges. This is unlike private ride-hailing services like Uber, Ola, and Rapido, which have a typical 20-30 per cent commission.

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Based on the initial rollout, Bharat Taxi may launch in more regions. What do you think about this Government-backed ride-hailing service? Let us know in the comments below.