Bharat Taxi Launches as Government-Backed Ride-Hailing Alternative in India
India has welcomed a new player in the competitive ride-hailing market with the launch of Bharat Taxi, a government-backed alternative to established platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Cooperation and operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, aims to revolutionize the sector by prioritizing driver ownership and ensuring fair earnings for those behind the wheel.
Key Features and Operational Details
The Bharat Taxi app is now available for download on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide user base across the country. In its initial rollout phase, the platform has adopted a zero-commission structure, which means that 100% of ride payments go directly to the drivers, referred to as Sarathis on the app. This approach is designed to enhance driver income and foster a sense of ownership among them.
Unlike many existing ride-hailing services, Bharat Taxi plans to avoid surge pricing, ensuring more predictable and affordable fares for users. At a later stage, the cooperative may introduce a nominal fee, but this will not function as a traditional commission. Instead, the amount will be redistributed to drivers through various incentives and welfare measures, further supporting their financial well-being.
Integration and Safety Features
Bharat Taxi integrates seamlessly with public transport services, such as the Metro, allowing users to plan multi-modal journeys through a single application. This feature enhances convenience and promotes the use of public transportation. The platform also has plans to introduce dedicated pickup and drop zones at airports, with expansion to other transport hubs in the future to improve user experience.
Safety is a top priority for Bharat Taxi, as evidenced by its robust features. The app includes emergency contact alerts, access to a dedicated safety team, and an in-app siren for quick assistance. Support centres are currently operational at seven key locations in Delhi, providing rapid assistance, verified ride data, and on-ground driver support to ensure a secure and reliable service.
Women Empowerment and Growth Statistics
As part of its commitment to social impact, Bharat Taxi has rolled out women empowerment initiatives, such as the "Bike Didi" program. This initiative has already attracted over 150 women drivers to the platform, promoting gender inclusivity in the ride-hailing industry. The platform's growth has been impressive, with more than three lakh drivers joining, over one lakh users registered, and more than 10,000 rides completed daily across Delhi-NCR and Gujarat.
This launch marks a significant step in India's ride-hailing landscape, offering a government-supported alternative that emphasizes fairness, safety, and empowerment for all stakeholders involved.
