Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday interacted with drivers of Bharat Taxi, calling them Saarthis and presenting a new vision for India’s ride-hailing sector. Speaking at a special event, Shah said Bharat Taxi has been created to move away from the traditional aggregator system and place drivers at the centre of ownership and decision-making.
According to him, the biggest difference between Bharat Taxi and private cab platforms is simple: drivers are not workers or vendors, they are co-owners of the service.
Low Entry Cost, Shared Ownership
Shah explained that joining Bharat Taxi requires only a small one-time amount. Drivers need to pay ₹500 during onboarding, which makes them registered members of the cooperative. This amount gives them ownership rights and a share in future profits, unlike private platforms where drivers earn only per trip.
He said the goal is to keep entry affordable so that more drivers can become partners instead of remaining dependent on large companies.
How the Profit System Works
The Home Minister detailed the revenue-sharing formula in easy terms. If Bharat Taxi earns revenue, 20 per cent of it will be kept by the cooperative to manage operations and future expansion. The remaining 80 per cent will go back to drivers based on their work and trips completed.
This means drivers will earn not only from fares but also from the platform’s overall success. Shah said this structure ensures that money stays with those who actually run the service.
Three-Year Waiting Period Explained
Shah also made it clear that the cooperative model is meant for long-term benefit. He asked drivers to remain patient during the first three years, as profits from the cooperative side will take time to build.
During this period, drivers will continue to earn fixed income from rides. Once the system stabilises, profit sharing will begin, giving drivers an additional source of income beyond daily earnings.
Why Bharat Taxi Is Different From Private Apps
Emphasising transparency, Shah said Bharat Taxi is not designed to maximise profits for a few individuals. Instead, it follows cooperative principles where accounts will remain open and accessible to members.
He said private platforms usually focus on making company owners richer, while Bharat Taxi aims to strengthen drivers financially and socially. “Here, the owners are the Saarthis themselves,” he said.
No Surge Pricing, Clear Fare Rules
Bharat Taxi will not use surge pricing, which often leads to unpredictable fares. Each booking includes 10 kilometres per hour. Any extra distance will be charged at ₹19 per kilometre, while additional time will cost ₹2.50 per minute. Expenses such as tolls, parking and state permits will be paid separately to drivers.
The fixed pricing system is meant to protect both passengers and drivers from sudden fare spikes.
Loans, Insurance and App Support
The government will also support drivers beyond ride earnings. Under the Bharat Taxi initiative, Saarthis will have access to vehicle loans and insurance schemes. The app will include a dedicated support system to help drivers resolve issues quickly.
These measures are intended to reduce financial stress and make self-employment more stable.
Drivers Share Early Experiences
Several drivers shared their early experiences at the event. One Saarthi said he earned ₹20,000 in January alone using Bharat Taxi. A woman driver from Bihar spoke about how the platform helped her become financially independent after losing her husband, giving her dignity and steady work.
