Uttar Pradesh Launches Bharat Taxi With Zero-Commission Model and ₹5 Lakh Social Security Cover

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, launched the Bharat Taxi service in the state on Wednesday. The service has initially begun operations in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj.

Highlights

• Bharat Taxi launched in Uttar Pradesh with a zero-commission model.
• Registered taxi, two-wheeler and three-wheeler drivers can join the platform without paying a commission on rides.
• Drivers will receive social security cover of up to ₹5 lakh, according to the announcement.
• The service has initially started in four cities — Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj.
• MoUs have been signed with institutions including Lucknow Airport, Lucknow Metro and Lucknow Police to support the service.
• The state has also discussed developing a rural bus service along similar cooperative lines to expand transport and employment opportunities in rural areas.

Zero-Commission Model for Drivers

A key feature of Bharat Taxi is its zero-commission model. According to the announcement, taxi, two-wheeler and three-wheeler drivers who register with the platform will not have to pay a platform commission on their rides. The initiative is being operated through Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, making it a cooperative-led ride-hailing platform.

The government has also announced social security coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for registered drivers. The move is aimed at providing additional social security to people working in the transport sector.

Initially Operational in Four Cities

The service has been launched in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj in its initial phase. In Lucknow, arrangements have been made through MoUs involving the airport, metro and police to support the service and its integration with the city’s transport ecosystem.

During the launch programme, five Bharat Taxi drivers, referred to as Sarathis, were also presented with share certificates as part of the cooperative model.

Rural Expansion Through Bus Services

The Bharat Taxi initiative is also being linked with a proposed rural bus service. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for developing a similar model for rural transportation, with the objective of improving connectivity and creating employment opportunities for young people in villages.

The broader idea is to use cooperative models in transportation while expanding mobility options beyond major urban centres.