Union Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the Bharat Taxi auto and cab driver onboarding programme in Mumbai, with passenger services on the platform scheduled to commence in May. The initiative is aimed at reshaping the ride-hailing ecosystem by enabling drivers to become stakeholders rather than just service providers.
The programme, aligned with the cooperative model promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and earlier introduced by Union Minister Amit Shah, seeks to provide a more equitable structure for drivers. The launch event, held in Kandivali West, witnessed participation from over 500 auto and cab drivers, along with unions and cooperative organisations.
Speaking at the event, Goyal emphasised that the platform is designed to ensure drivers retain their entire earnings without commission cuts. “This is your platform built for your benefit. The income you earn should belong entirely to you,” he said. He noted that since its rollout in February, the app has already reached around 25,000 daily rides and is expected to expand further once passenger services begin.
Looking ahead, the minister highlighted plans to encourage a transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce operating costs and improve driver incomes. The government intends to support this shift through measures such as affordable EV access, bulk procurement and expansion of charging infrastructure across the city.
Drivers joining the platform will also receive additional benefits, including insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh, along with access to loans and financial support schemes. With more than five lakh drivers already onboarded nationwide, Bharat Taxi is being positioned as a transparent and driver-centric mobility platform focused on fair earnings and improved urban transport services.
Source: The Free Press Journal
