Gandhinagar, May 28 (IANS) Bharat Taxi, a driver-owned mobility cooperative launched earlier this year, has expanded to more than 35 lakh users and over six lakh drivers across India, positioning itself as one of the country’s largest cooperative-based transport platforms.

The platform, launched on February 5 by Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, operates on a zero-commission model in which drivers are treated as stakeholders rather than employees.

According to the company, the model has led to a 25 to 30 per cent increase in monthly income for drivers associated with the platform, while passengers are paying nearly 15 per cent less on average because of stable and transparent pricing.

Bharat Taxi Chairman and Amul Managing Director, Jayen Mehta, described the initiative as an example of technology-driven cooperation.

“Bharat Taxi has turned the driver-owned model into a reality by ensuring that 100 per cent of ride earnings reach drivers directly without any deductions. Today, it has emerged as the world’s largest mobility cooperative, increasing the self-respect of drivers while also setting a new global benchmark for the vision of ‘Prosperity through Cooperation’,” he said.

The company said the platform was created to address long-standing concerns among drivers regarding heavy commission charges and fluctuating incomes under traditional aggregator systems.

Under the cooperative structure, there are no intermediaries or corporate commission deductions, with drivers directly receiving ride payments into their bank accounts.

Pravin Thakor, a driver associated with the platform, said earlier aggregator models had become financially unsustainable for many drivers.

“Working with other companies was no longer profitable. But after joining Bharat Taxi, we are getting better rates and responses. By associating with this model, any driver can earn well and secure the future of their family,” he said.

Another driver, Janak Barot, said the lower fare structure was benefiting both drivers and passengers.

“There is zero commission here and payments are made directly into our accounts; we feel like owners. Other companies charge Rs 30 per kilometre, whereas we are charging customers only Rs 17-18, which is beneficial for them as well. In the future, with the expansion of the organisation, we will also get the benefits of schemes like pension and insurance,” he said.

According to the company, more than one lakh of its drivers are based in Gujarat.

After expanding operations in Ahmedabad and Surat, the cooperative is now preparing to launch services in Vadodara as part of its next phase of growth.

To strengthen its presence at the grassroots level, Bharat Taxi said it is adopting a ‘below-the-line’ (BTL) outreach strategy in high-footfall areas such as IT parks, airports and housing societies to directly engage with users and drivers.

Ahmedabad Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union President, Ajay Kumar Gupta, said drivers had shown interest in the platform because of its cooperative structure and simplified onboarding process.

“Customers are highly attracted by the fact that this is ‘our own Indian company’ and no commission is charged from drivers. All drivers should join this platform. The process is so simple that approval is granted within just 12 hours of submitting documents on the application,” he said.

The company also highlighted safety and technology integration as key aspects of its operations.

Bharat Taxi has integrated its SOS system with Gujarat Police to provide emergency support for passengers and drivers. In addition, it has introduced dedicated route connectivity for pilgrimage destinations such as Somnath and Dwarka.

To improve service standards, the platform said it has trained more than 10,000 drivers in digital literacy, digital handling and soft skills.

Bharat Taxi added that its integrated transit partnerships with Metro services, GSRTC and airport authorities are aimed at creating a more seamless public transport experience in Gujarat.

–IANS

mys/rad