Bharat Taxi app to launch in Delhi from Jan 1: What it means for passengers and drivers

The Union Government is set to roll out a new cab-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, in Delhi from January 1, aiming to change the way people book daily transport in the city.

Designed as a government-supported initiative, the Bharat Taxi app is being positioned as an alternative to popular private cab aggregators and seeks to address some of the most common complaints faced by both passengers and drivers.

For years, commuters in Delhi have raised concerns about high surge pricing on existing ride-hailing apps, especially during peak hours, late nights, holidays or bad weather.

Sudden fare spikes often leave passengers with no choice but to pay much higher prices or cancel their travel plans. Bharat Taxi hopes to tackle this issue by offering a simpler and more predictable pricing system.

One of the key features of the Bharat Taxi app is its plan to introduce fixed fares. This means that passengers will pay the same price regardless of rush hours, festive seasons or weather disruptions.

According to officials, fares will not change dynamically, which is expected to reduce confusion and disputes related to fluctuating prices. For regular commuters, this could bring much-needed clarity and help them plan travel expenses better.

The app is also expected to display clear fare details before booking, allowing users to know exactly how much they will be charged. This focus on transparency is being highlighted as a major difference from existing platforms.

Another major shift proposed by Bharat Taxi is its driver-friendly revenue model. Drivers will receive more than 80% of the total fare, which is significantly higher than what most private cab aggregators currently offer. The move is expected to improve driver earnings and reduce dependence on high commissions.

Any extra income generated by the cooperative will be shared among its members, rather than going to a private company. In practical terms, this means drivers are likely to earn more per trip.

This model is expected to reduce driver stress linked to high commissions and long working hours, while also improving overall job satisfaction.

The Bharat Taxi app is expected to offer a user-friendly booking process along with real-time vehicle tracking. It will also support multiple Indian languages, making it easier for a wider group of users to access the service.

For safety and reliability, the platform plans to onboard only verified drivers and offer round-the-clock customer support. Safety options for passengers are also expected to be part of the app, helping build trust among first-time users.

Interest in the platform among drivers has been encouraging. Around 56,000 drivers in Delhi have already registered ahead of the launch, suggesting strong acceptance within the driver community.

The app will offer multiple transport options, including auto-rickshaws, cars and bikes, giving passengers flexibility based on their travel needs.

The Bharat Taxi initiative aims to create a fairer system that benefits both passengers and drivers. By combining fixed fares, transparent rules and a cooperative-style model, the government hopes to introduce a sustainable alternative in the urban mobility space.

If the platform gains popularity after its Delhi launch, Bharat Taxi could become an important addition to India’s transport network.