Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah met Bharat Taxi drivers, calling them “Sarathis” and co-owners of the cooperative platform. Launched on February 5, the app aims to offer better earnings without surge pricing.
Amit Shah Meets Bharat Taxi Drivers
New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah met with drivers associated with "Bharat Taxi" and gave them the name "Sarathi." He stated that this platform is different from private aggregator companies, as drivers will be owners, not just service providers. Shah clarified that Bharat Taxi's objective is to enrich drivers, not just any single owner.
Launched on February 5th, this cab service is based on a cooperative model. Bharat Taxi is positioning itself as an alternative to platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Drivers need to invest only ₹500 to join. With this amount, they will become members of the cooperative, gaining decision-making rights and profit sharing.
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Amit Shah stated that 80 percent of the company's profits will be distributed directly to the Sarathi drivers, while 20 percent will be kept for operating expenses. Citing an example, he said that if the company earns ₹25 crore, the majority of it will go to the drivers. Drivers will receive a fixed fare for the first three years, but a profit share will be added later.
Bharat Taxi will not have surge pricing. A one-hour booking will include a 10-kilometer trip. Additional distance will be charged at ₹19 per kilometer and additional time at ₹2.50 per minute. Toll, parking, and state permit costs will be paid separately to the driver.
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The government will also provide car loans and insurance to drivers. The app will offer support services to provide direct assistance to drivers. Some drivers reported earning substantial profits from the platform. One female driver said the service has become a respectable source of income for her.
Currently, Bharat Taxi is available in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. The plan is to expand it nationwide within the next three years. Under this model, drivers will not be charged commission per ride, but will be charged a fixed fee of ₹30 per day for using the app.
