New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move for India’s ride-hailing industry, Sahakar Taxi Cooperative, hailed as the world’s first national-level mobility cooperative wholly owned by drivers, officially began its beta consumer trials today with a soft launch of the Bharat Taxi app in the national capital.
The cooperative has already onboarded over 51,000 drivers – spanning cars, auto-rickshaws, and bikes – from Delhi and the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, instantly making it the largest driver-owned mobility platform globally even before its full public rollout.
Unlike conventional ride-hailing companies that take substantial commissions, Sahakar Taxi’s revolutionary model ensures that drivers retain 100% of the fare paid by passengers. Drivers are also shareholders, entitled to representation on the cooperative’s board, annual dividends, and a direct share in the organisation’s profits.
Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson for Sahakar Taxi Cooperative said, “This is not just another app; it is a movement to return dignity, fairness, and ownership to the millions of drivers who power India’s urban mobility. For the first time, drivers are not employees or partners – they are the actual owners.”
Key highlights of the Bharat Taxi app (now available on Google Play Store, with the iOS version to follow shortly):
• Seamless multi-modal integration with Delhi Metro and other transit services, allowing users to plan and book entire journeys – from metro to taxi or auto – on a single platform.
• Direct tie-up with Delhi Police for enhanced background verification and real-time safety features for both riders and drivers.
• Zero commission taken from drivers, ensuring they earn the full fare.
The cooperative is registered as Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited and operates under the administrative oversight of the National Cooperative Union of India, with its office located at Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
As beta testing begins, the founders have urged Delhi residents to download the Bharat Taxi app, take rides, and share feedback to help refine the service before the nationwide rollout.
With its driver-first philosophy and innovative features, Sahakar Taxi Cooperative is poised to redefine urban transportation in India and could set a global precedent for cooperative-owned mobility platforms.
Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.mobility.bharatTaxi&hl=en