Bharat Taxi to hit Chandigarh roads on September 18; know safety feature and more
PTC Web Desk: Chandigarh is set to get Bharat Taxi from Friday, September 18, giving commuters another option for booking cabs, autos and bike taxis through a cooperative-based platform.
The service will be formally launched at 4 pm by Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol and Krishan Pal Gurjar are also scheduled to attend the launch. The Chandigarh rollout comes as Bharat Taxi expands to more cities under a phased national plan.
The timing of the launch has also drawn attention because the Chandigarh administration recently suspended the licences of some app-based aggregators, including Ola, Uber and inDrive for six months. The administration has also taken enforcement action against vehicles operating through suspended platforms.
What is Bharat Taxi?
Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL) and follows a cooperative model in which drivers, known as ‘Sarathis’, can become members and stakeholders of the platform.
Unlike the conventional driver-partner arrangement, the model gives participating drivers a role in the cooperative's ownership and governance. Eligible Sarathis can acquire shares and participate in the cooperative's decision-making structure.
The platform was officially launched nationally in February 2026 and has since expanded to several cities in phases. As of August 4, Bharat Taxi had 8.48 lakh registered drivers and 44.27 lakh customers, according to the Ministry of Cooperation. Chandigarh was recording an average of about 190 rides a day at that point.
Zero commission for drivers
One of the key features of Bharat Taxi is its zero-commission model. Drivers do not have a commission deducted from the fare they earn through rides.
The cooperative follows a subscription-based approach to meet platform and operational expenses. The government has said the fare earned by a Sarathi is not reduced because of the platform usage fee.
Drivers can also become members of the cooperative and access benefits such as insurance, welfare support and institutional credit. The platform has also facilitated vehicle financing and other financial support through partner institutions.
No surge pricing
For passengers, Bharat Taxi is being positioned around transparent and predictable fares. The platform's stated model does not include surge pricing, meaning passengers are not expected to face the sharp fare increases commonly associated with peak-demand periods.
Government information says riders pay the applicable trip fare based on factors such as distance, time and market conditions, without additional convenience or platform fees through the app.
Cabs, autos and bike taxis
Passengers will be able to use the Bharat Taxi app to book different types of mobility services. These include regular cabs, premium taxi options, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis, depending on availability in the city.
The app also provides features such as real-time vehicle tracking, live location sharing and multilingual support.
Safety features
Passenger safety is another major component of the platform. Drivers are onboarded after verification, while the app provides GPS-based tracking and records of rides.
An emergency or SOS feature is also part of the platform's safety system, allowing passengers to seek assistance in case of an emergency. Bharat Taxi has also said it will provide customer support and assistance for booking or refund-related issues.
How drivers can join
Drivers can register through the Bharat Taxi app and submit documents such as a valid driving licence, vehicle registration certificate and other required details for verification.
Once the verification process is completed, eligible drivers can join the platform as Sarathis. The cooperative model also allows participating drivers to become members and shareholders under its rules.
- PTC NEWS
