Bharat Taxi will not let drivers earn below base rate, Amit Shah tells town hall

Shah's Assurance at Town Hall Sparks Hope for Drivers

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah addressed a lively town hall gathering of cab and auto drivers from Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, where he firmly promised that Bharat Taxi would protect drivers from earning below a set base rate. This cooperative ride-hailing service, launched earlier this month, aims to reshape the gig economy for mobility workers by prioritizing their financial stability over corporate profits. Shah highlighted how major existing aggregators have shunned minimum rates to boost their bottom lines, leaving drivers vulnerable to low earnings during off-peak times or high competition.

In a 40-minute interaction, Shah explained that Bharat Taxi operates differently, with an 80-20 profit split where drivers get 80 percent based on kilometers driven, and 20 percent builds cooperative capital for growth. Currently, there's no commission charged to drivers, a stark contrast to the 25-30 percent cuts from platforms like Ola and Uber. This zero-commission start is designed to attract drivers quickly while stabilizing income through a nationally set base rate that factors in taxi, auto, and fuel costs. Drivers attending the event expressed visible relief, nodding along as Shah outlined these protections.

Bharat Taxi's Cooperative Model Mirrors Amul's Success

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Amul dairy cooperative, Shah painted Bharat Taxi as a worker-owned enterprise that empowers drivers as true stakeholders. Just as 36 lakh women invested small amounts of Rs 50 each to build Amul into a Rs 1.25 lakh crore turnover giant, drivers here can buy a Rs 500 share to become co-owners. As membership expands, board seats will be reserved for driver representatives, ensuring their voices shape policies. Shah declared to resounding applause.

Whatever business you do, your minimum should be fixed. And whatever is more than that has to come back to you. We will not do this like the other companies who said they have no base rate,

This structure means no surge pricing for riders, predictable fares, and stable payouts for drivers. After an initial three-year buildup, full profit-sharing kicks in, with loans from cooperative banks and insurance via partners like IFFCO Tokio at low premiums. A multi-channel grievance system—online, physical centers, and helplines—addresses common complaints ignored by private apps. The 'Saarathi Didi' feature lets solo women travelers choose female drivers, boosting safety and inclusivity.

Expansion Plans and Broader Impact on Ride-Hailing

Bharat Taxi kicked off in Delhi-NCR and Rajkot, with ambitions to cover every municipal city in three years and enroll 15 crore drivers in two. Operating under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies framework, it allows drivers to multi-home on other apps without restrictions. No hidden fees, advance notice on any fare tweaks, and a focus on minimum viability ensure sustainability. Backed by top cooperatives, it promises 30 percent cheaper rides than rivals while delivering fairer deals to workers.

Attended by board member Dharam Vallabh, the town hall underscored government push towards cooperative models in new sectors. By eliminating exploitative commissions and guaranteeing base income, Bharat Taxi could disrupt the dominance of private giants, offering a blueprint for gig worker welfare nationwide. Drivers see it as a path to ownership and dignity in a cutthroat industry.

In wrapping up, Shah reiterated the platform's ethos: drivers are not just earners but owners building their future collectively. This initiative signals a shift towards equitable mobility services in India.