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From direct Gujarat Police SOS integration to links with Metro and GSRTC systems, Bharat Taxi is expanding beyond ride-hailing while positioning drivers as platform owners
Bharat Taxi News: The service has expanded connectivity to major pilgrimage destinations such as Somnath Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple.
Bharat Taxi is rapidly reshaping Gujarat’s app-based transport sector with a cooperative model that places drivers at the centre of ownership and earnings. Launched on February 5 by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the platform is being projected as a major example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sahkar se Samriddhi.
According to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, Bharat Taxi has grown into what it calls the world’s largest driver-owned mobility cooperative, offering a technology-led alternative to traditional ride-hailing platforms while promising higher earnings and greater financial security for drivers.
Drivers Become Stakeholders Instead Of Service Providers
Unlike conventional ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative model, with drivers as direct stakeholders rather than mere service providers.
Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Amul, described the initiative as a major structural shift in the mobility sector. According to him, the platform allows drivers to retain the full value of their ride earnings instead of paying high commissions to intermediaries.
He stated that the cooperative framework not only improves incomes but also restores dignity to drivers while setting a new benchmark for cooperative-led growth in mobility services.
Driver Incomes Reportedly Rise By Up To 30%
For years, drivers associated with app-based transport services have struggled with fluctuating incomes and high commission deductions. Bharat Taxi aims to challenge that model by removing intermediaries and enabling drivers to operate as owners within the platform ecosystem.
According to the Gujarat CMO release, average monthly driver earnings have increased by nearly 25% to 30% after joining the service. Officials said the shift has improved financial stability for many families transitioning away from traditional aggregator-based systems.
Drivers Speak About Financial Stability
Several drivers associated with the platform highlighted the economic benefits they have experienced after joining Bharat Taxi, as reported by ANI.
Driver Praveen Thakor said working with earlier platforms had become increasingly unviable due to declining profitability. He noted that Bharat Taxi offered better fare rates and stronger customer response, adding that the model gives drivers an opportunity to secure better financial stability for their families.
Similarly, Janak Barot said the platform’s zero-commission structure allows payments to be credited directly into drivers’ accounts, making them feel like genuine owners of the service. He added that while several private operators charge around Rs 30 per kilometre, Bharat Taxi offers rides at approximately Rs 17-18 per kilometre, benefiting both drivers and passengers.
Barot also stated that future expansion of the cooperative could provide members access to benefits such as pension and insurance schemes.
Lower Fares And Transparent Pricing For Passengers
The platform is also attempting to differentiate itself through stable pricing mechanisms. Unlike private aggregators that frequently use dynamic pricing models, Bharat Taxi claims to offer more transparent and predictable fare structures.
According to the company, passengers are paying nearly 15% less on average compared to other platforms, making daily commuting more affordable.
Officials believe this pricing model could help improve customer trust while ensuring fair earnings for drivers.
Rapid Expansion Across Gujarat And Beyond
Bharat Taxi says it currently has more than 6 lakh drivers across the country, including nearly 1 lakh in Gujarat alone. The application has reportedly crossed 35 lakh downloads nationwide. Following expansion in Ahmedabad and Surat, the platform is now focusing on Vadodara as its next major growth centre.
To strengthen outreach, the company has adopted a Below the Line (BTL) strategy involving direct engagement with commuters in high-footfall locations such as:
- IT parks
- Residential societies
- Airports
The company says this approach is aimed at building a stronger people-centric identity.
Simple Onboarding Process Attracting Drivers
According to the ANI report, Ajay Kumar Gupta said many drivers are being drawn towards the platform because of its zero-commission structure and Indian cooperative model. He noted that the onboarding process is straightforward, with approvals reportedly being granted within 12 hours after drivers upload the required documents through the app.
According to him, customers are also responding positively to the idea of using what he described as an “India’s own company”.
Safety Features And Pilgrimage Connectivity Added
Bharat Taxi has also introduced several safety and connectivity measures as part of its operations. The platform’s SOS system is directly integrated with the Gujarat Police, providing emergency support for both passengers and drivers.
In addition, the service has expanded connectivity to major pilgrimage destinations such as:
- Somnath Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
Officials say this has helped position the platform not only as an urban transport service but also as a travel option for devotees.
Focus On Training And Integrated Transport
To improve service quality, more than 10,000 drivers have reportedly undergone training programmes focused on:
- Digital literacy
- Soft skills
- Passenger interaction
The company also claims to have introduced an Integrated Transit System in collaboration with:
- Metro services
- GSRTC
- Airport authorities
According to the release, the integration is helping create a more seamless commuting experience across Gujarat.
Gujarat, India, India
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