India has taken a significant step toward reshaping its ride-hailing landscape with the launch of Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based cab aggregation platform designed to place drivers at the centre of ownership and decision-making. Unveiled in early February 2026, the initiative marks a departure from the prevailing private aggregator model and reflects the government’s broader push to extend cooperative principles into digital and platform-led sectors of the economy.
The launch comes at a time when India’s gig economy, particularly app-based transport services, is facing sustained pressure. Over the past few years, cab drivers associated with private platforms have repeatedly raised concerns about declining net earnings, high commission structures, volatile incentive regimes and limited social security coverage. Bharat Taxi positions itself as a response to these structural challenges, promising a model where drivers are not merely service providers but stakeholders in the platform itself.
Bharat Taxi operates as a multi-state cooperative, registered under existing cooperative laws, and is backed by prominent cooperative institutions. The platform follows a driver-owned structure, where registered drivers, referred to as “sarathis,” become members of the cooperative. This membership grants them a say in governance and a share in any surplus generated, aligning earnings more closely with collective performance rather than algorithm-driven incentives set by private companies.
One of the defining features of the new platform is its zero-commission framework. Unlike conventional ride-hailing apps that deduct a percentage of each fare as commission, Bharat Taxi does not take a cut from individual rides. Instead, drivers contribute a fixed and relatively modest operational fee to access the platform. This structure is intended to ensure that a larger portion of the fare goes directly to the driver, offering greater income predictability.
The platform has also committed to transparent and surge-free pricing for passengers. In practice, this means fares are not expected to spike sharply during peak demand periods, a common grievance among commuters using existing ride-hailing services. For drivers, this pricing model aims to balance steady demand with more predictable daily earnings, though its long-term sustainability will depend on scale and rider adoption.
Beyond earnings, Bharat Taxi has placed emphasis on driver welfare. Official statements around the launch have highlighted provisions for insurance coverage and access to social security schemes, areas where gig workers have traditionally lacked formal protection. While the exact scope and implementation timelines of these benefits will evolve as the platform expands, the intent is to integrate basic social safeguards into the cooperative framework.
The initial rollout has begun in select regions, including parts of Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, with a phased expansion planned across other states over the next few years. Early registration figures indicate strong interest from drivers, particularly those disillusioned with existing platforms. For many, the cooperative model offers the prospect of dignity, stability and a sense of ownership that has largely been absent from app-based transport work.
The launch of Bharat Taxi also carries broader policy significance. It reflects an attempt to apply India’s long-standing cooperative movement, traditionally associated with agriculture, dairy and banking, to a modern digital marketplace. If successful, it could serve as a template for similar cooperative platforms in other segments of the gig economy, from delivery services to logistics.
However, challenges remain. Competing with established private players will require robust technology, consistent service quality and strong consumer trust. Passenger adoption will be critical, as cooperative ideals alone may not be sufficient to shift user behaviour in a market driven by convenience and availability. Regulatory clarity at the state level, especially around transport rules and app-based services, will also play a key role in determining how quickly the platform can scale.
For now, Bharat Taxi represents a notable experiment in rebalancing power within India’s gig economy. By redefining drivers as owners rather than contractors, it seeks to address long-standing concerns around income security and fair participation. As the platform expands and operational data becomes available, its real impact on driver livelihoods and urban mobility will come into sharper focus. What is clear at launch is that Bharat Taxi has introduced a new narrative into India’s ride-hailing debate, one that places cooperation and shared ownership at the heart of digital mobility.
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Last Updated on: Monday, February 9, 2026 2:13 pm by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Monday, February 9, 2026 2:13 pm | News Categories: General, India