Bharat Taxi has emerged as the world’s largest driver-owned mobility cooperative, boasting more than 6 lakh drivers and over 35 lakh app downloads nationwide, according to a release from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office.
Launched on February 5 by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the platform is grounded in the cooperative model envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”. It empowers thousands of drivers to become owners of the service they operate, rather than functioning merely as providers.
Jayen Mehta, Chairman of Bharat Taxi and Managing Director of Amul, described the initiative as a structural shift in the mobility sector. He stated, “By operationalising a driver-owned model, Bharat Taxi ensures that 100% of ride earnings go directly to the drivers. It is not just restoring dignity but also setting a global benchmark for cooperative-led growth in mobility.”
Traditionally, drivers have faced high commissions and income uncertainty within the mobility sector. Bharat Taxi challenges this by eliminating intermediaries and making drivers direct stakeholders through its cooperative framework. The platform’s impact is evident, with average monthly incomes for drivers increasing by an estimated 25% to 30% since joining, providing enhanced financial stability for thousands of families transitioning away from traditional aggregator models.
Driver Praveen Thakor shared his experience, stating, “Working with other platforms was no longer profitable. But after joining ‘Bharat Taxi’, we are getting excellent rates and a great response. By being part of this model, any driver can earn a handsome income and secure their family’s future.”
The cooperative model also benefits passengers. Unlike private aggregators employing dynamic pricing, Bharat Taxi has adopted a stable and transparent fare structure, resulting in costs up to 15% lower on average, making daily commutes more predictable and affordable.
Driver Janak Barot commented on the benefits, saying, “There is ‘zero commission’ here, and payments are credited directly to our accounts; we truly feel like owners. Against the Rs 30/km charged by other companies, we offer an affordable rate of Rs 17-18, making it highly beneficial for the customers too. As the cooperative expands in the future, we will also get access to benefits like pension and insurance.”
With a presence in cities including Ahmedabad, Surat, and its upcoming major hub in Vadodara, Bharat Taxi is rapidly expanding. The company employs a ‘Below the Line’ (BTL) strategy to engage users directly in high-traffic areas such as IT parks, housing societies, and airports, cementing its position as a people-centric brand.
Ajay Kumar Gupta, President of the Ahmedabad Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union, highlighted the platform’s appeal, stating, “Customers are highly attracted to the fact that this is ‘India’s own company’ and it charges zero commission from the drivers. I appeal to all drivers to join this platform. The process is so simple that you receive approval within just 12 hours of uploading your documents directly on the app.”
Bharat Taxi integrates safety with technology through direct SOS connectivity to the Gujarat Police, providing a “safety shield” for passengers and drivers alike. Furthermore, it offers dedicated route connectivity to pilgrimage sites such as Somnath and Dwarkadhish, extending its services beyond urban transport to serve devotees.
To maintain high service standards, over 10,000 drivers have received intensive training in digital literacy and soft skills. The platform’s ‘Integrated Transit System’ collaboration with the Metro, GSRTC, and the Airport Authority has enhanced commuting in Gujarat, creating a seamless transport experience.
