Bharat Taxi Service Launched: A Boost for Drivers, Set to Rival Ola and Uber

New Delhi: The central government has officially launched the Bharat Taxi Service, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurating the initiative. According to Shah, the service is designed to provide significant benefits to drivers, offering them a cooperative ownership model similar to Amul, which could make it a landmark initiative in the mobility sector. The platform is expected to be a game-changer for gig workers across the country.

Driver-Owned Model
Unlike aggregator-based platforms, Bharat Taxi Service operates as a cooperative ownership platform, allowing drivers—referred to as “Saarthis”—to be the owners of their vehicles. This system eliminates zero-commission practices and surge pricing, putting drivers at the center of operations and value creation. The cooperative model aims to free drivers from exploitation, giving them both ownership and operational control.

A Revolutionary Step for the Mobility Sector
During the launch event, Amit Shah highlighted that Bharat Taxi Service represents a revolutionary economic shift in India’s taxi sector. “This is a model based on cooperation, not government control,” he said. “Each driver (Saarthi) is the owner of their taxi. The wheels of these taxis will move for the benefit of the Saarthi community, much like the Amul model in Gujarat.”

Comprehensive Mobility Offerings
Bharat Taxi Service is envisioned as a unified mobility platform, offering services across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. Shah also introduced ‘Saarthi Didi’, a special initiative to ensure the safety, respect, and empowerment of women riders and drivers.

No Commission, Lower Fares
The platform will commence operations within three years. According to Shah, the service will charge only 20% of the platform’s earnings, with the remaining revenue transferred directly to the drivers’ accounts. “Previously, fares went to the company account, and commissions were deducted. That system is over. Bharat Taxi Service will not take a single percent commission. All payments will go directly from the customer to the Saarthi’s account,” he explained.

The platform will also eliminate booking fees, high platform charges, and hidden commissions, making it more convenient for both drivers and passengers. All profits generated will directly benefit drivers registered with the service. However, Amit Shah emphasized that drivers must maintain professional standards and respectful behavior with passengers.

With this initiative, Bharat Taxi Service aims to directly compete with established players like Ola and Uber, while prioritizing driver welfare and cooperative ownership.