Bengaluru commuters, drivers push for early rollout of Bharat Taxi

Commuters, along with auto and cab drivers in Bengaluru, are urging the Union government to roll out the Bharat Taxi platform in the city at the earliest, as frustration mounts over surge pricing, frequent cancellations and huge commission structures on existing private cab aggregator apps.

Many believe a government-backed alternative could bring much-needed transparency and relief to both passengers and drivers.

The Bharat Taxi app is being run by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited under the aegis 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 such as Ola and Uber, competing with them in real time while promising a more equitable revenue-sharing model.

Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola and Uber Drivers’ Association, said, “A platform backed by the government is definitely a positive step, especially when drivers are struggling under heavy commissions and penalties imposed by private aggregators. But the real test will be whether Bharat Taxi truly functions as a cooperative. If it eventually turns into just another commercial app with high service charges, then the entire cooperative structure becomes meaningless. Drivers need to feel that they actually own the platform and benefit directly from it, not just operate on it.”

K. Radhakrishna Holla, president of the Karnataka State Travel Operators Association, said the Centre’s stated intent to support the driver community was welcome, but cautioned that implementation would be key. “Private cab aggregators already in the market are very strong in terms of branding, technology and marketing. While the intention behind Bharat Taxi is good, we will have to wait and see how it competes with these existing platforms that commuters are already familiar with,” he said.

Mr. Holla added that a transparent, meter-based fare system with minimal service charges, annual refunds to member-drivers, and clear access to mobility data could help drivers earn with dignity while ensuring fair fares and reliability for consumers.

Drivers hopes Bharat Taxi brings stability

Drivers say the current system has pushed many into 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 after fuel and daily expenses, there is hardly anything left. Surge pricing helps only occasionally, but when demand drops, drivers are forced to accept low fares or face penalties. If Bharat Taxi brings fixed, meter-based pricing and lower deductions, it will give us some stability and respect,” he said.

Similarly, Mohammed Irfan, another cab driver, said that frequent rule changes and incentive cuts have left drivers disillusioned. “Every few months, the incentive structure changes, and we are expected to work longer hours just to earn the same amount. Many drivers are in debt because of vehicle loans. A cooperative app where profits are shared with drivers, and where policies are transparent, could solve many of these issues if implemented honestly,” he said.

Launch in one or two months

The push for Bharat Taxi gained momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in December 2025 that the government planned to launch the app within “one or two months” to reduce the dependency of commercial vehicle drivers on private companies.

Mr. Shah had said, “We will bring Bharat Taxi in one or two months, and each penny of profit will go to drivers.” He added that the platform would open up new employment opportunities, provide insurance facilities, allow advertisements on taxis for additional income, and ultimately make drivers more prosperous while enhancing customer convenience.

“As a daily commuter, what frustrates me the most is not just the high fares, but the complete unpredictability of them,” said Ananya Rao, an IT professional who travels between Bellandur and BTM Layout. “On the same route, the price can double or even triple within minutes because of surge pricing, and there is no clarity on how that fare is calculated. Many times, drivers accept the ride and then cancel, forcing us to wait longer or pay even more. If Bharat Taxi comes with transparent, meter-based fares and fewer cancellations, it would restore some trust between commuters and drivers,” she said.

Published – February 08, 2026 08:01 pm IST