Commuters along with auto and taxi drivers in Bengaluru are urging the Union government to roll out the Bharat Taxi platform in the city as soon as possible as frustration mounts over price hikes, frequent cancellations and huge commission structures of existing private taxi-hailing apps.
Many believe the government-backed alternative could bring much-needed transparency and relief to both passengers and drivers.
The Bharat Taxi app is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited under the auspices of the Ministry of Cooperation and is currently available on a pilot basis in select locations including Delhi-NCR. In these markets, the platform is positioned as a cooperative alternative to established cab aggregators like Ola and Uber, competing with them in real-time while promising a fairer revenue-sharing model.
Tanveer Pasha, President of the Ola and Uber Drivers Association, said, “A government-backed platform is definitely a positive step, especially when drivers are struggling with high commissions and penalties from private aggregators. But the real test will be whether Bharat Taxi really works as a cooperative. If it ends up turning into just another commercial app with high service fees that they own, it will become redundant and the entire cooperative structure will benefit.” of it, not just operate with it.’
K. Radhakrishna Holla, president of the Karnataka State Tour Operators Association, said the centre’s intention to support the driver community was welcome, but warned that implementation would be key. “Private taxis already in the market are very strong in terms of branding, technology and marketing. While Bharat Taxi’s intention is good, we will have to wait and see how it competes with these existing platforms that commuters are already familiar with,” he said.
Bharat Taxi: What is it?
Platform: A government-backed horse-riding app
Operator: Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited
Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation
Current status: Pilot project
Available in: Select cities including Delhi-NCR
Proposed launch in Bengaluru and other parts of the country: Pending
Mr Holla added that a transparent meter-based tariff system with minimum service charges, annual refunds to member drivers and clear access to mobility data could help drivers earn a decent living while ensuring fair fares and reliability for consumers.
Drivers hope that Bharat Taxi will bring stability
Drivers say the current system has put many under financial stress. Ravi Kumar, an autorickshaw driver from Rajajinagar, said unpredictable earnings have become the norm. “On some days, the app takes such a high commission that there is almost nothing left after fuel and daily expenses. The surge pricing helps only occasionally, but when demand drops, drivers are forced to accept low fares or face penalties. If Bharat Taxi brings in fixed, meter-based fares and lower deductions, it will give us some stability and respect,” he said.
Similarly, Mohammed Irfan, another taxi driver, said frequent rule changes and reduction in incentives have left drivers disillusioned. “Every few months the incentive structure changes and we are expected to work longer to earn the same amount. Many drivers are in debt due to vehicle loans. A cooperative application where profits are shared with drivers and where the policies are transparent could solve many of these problems if implemented honestly,” he said.
Launching in one or two months
Pressure on Bharat Taxi gained momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in December 2025 that the government plans to launch the app within “one or two months” to reduce the dependence of commercial vehicle drivers on private companies.
Mr. Shah said, “We will bring Bharat Taxi in one or two months and every penny of the profit will go to the drivers.” He added that the platform will open up new job opportunities, provide insurance, enable taxi advertisements for additional income and ultimately increase the prosperity of drivers while increasing the convenience of customers.
“As a daily commuter, what frustrates me the most is not just the high fares, but the sheer unpredictability of them,” said Ananya Rao, an IT professional who commutes between Bellandur and BTM Layout. “On the same route, the price can double or even triple within minutes due to surge pricing and it is not clear how this fare is calculated. Many times drivers accept a ride and then cancel it, making us wait longer or pay even more. If Bharat Taxi comes with a transparent, metered fare and fewer cancellations, it will restore some trust between commuters and drivers,” she said.
Published – 08 Feb 2026 20:01 IST