Bharat Taxi won't replace Ola, Uber: Amit Shah explains its objectives, funding, safety measures and expansion plans
Bharat Taxi, the cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, is not aimed at replacing private app-based taxi aggregators such as Ola and Uber, the government has clarified. In
Bharat Taxi, the cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, is not aimed at replacing private app-based taxi aggregators such as Ola and Uber, the government has clarified. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 4 August, Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah clarified that Bharat Taxi is designed as a driver-centric and passenger-focused mobility platform based on the cooperative model. He also stated that the government has not provided any financial assistance, equity support or incentives for setting up or expanding the platform. What are the objectives of Bharat Taxi? Bharat Taxi, operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), is the country’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform. Responding to a question on whether Bharat Taxi was launched as an alternative to private app-based taxi aggregators, Shah stated, “The objective of Bharat Taxi is not to replace any private app-based taxi aggregators; rather, it aims to provide an alternative driver-centric and people-centric mobility platform based on the cooperative model.” The platform aims to improve the economic and social well-being of drivers, known as Sarathis, while offering consumers safe, reliable, and affordable transportation services.
Who operates Bharat Taxi? Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), a Multi-State Cooperative Society registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. The platform is supported by eight national cooperative institutions — NCDC, IFFCO, Amul (GCMMF), KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB and NCEL — which support the cooperative model through institutional cooperation, outreach and member mobilisation. Has the government provided financial support to Bharat Taxi? No. Shah noted that no financial assistance, equity support, or incentive has been provided by the government to establish or expand the Bharat Taxi platform. The platform is being operated by STCL under the cooperative framework. What safety features and fare rules does Bharat Taxi follow? Shah mentioned that passenger safety is supported through verification of Sarathis and vehicles before onboarding, maintenance of trip records, and coordination with concerned authorities, wherever required.
Key safety measures include Maintenance of trip records. SOS facility for passengers. Option to share journey details with family members or trusted contacts. Coordination with Police Departments in various states during emergencies. Encrypted storage of customer data under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000. On fares, Shah said, “Fare determination is based on a transparent framework developed after considering the views of the concerned State Transport Authorities, representatives of Sarathis and other stakeholders.” Any fare revision will take into account operational costs, local transport conditions and stakeholder consultations. The platform also has a grievance redressal mechanism through the Call Centre, Customer Support Team and Grievance Redressal Team to resolve complaints from both passengers and Sarathis. Where does Bharat Taxi currently operate? Bharat Taxi operates in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh, with registered drivers across cab, auto and bike categories.
The BriefWire