Bharat Taxi Launches in UP With Zero Commission for Drivers, INR 5 Lakh Social Security Cover

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched Bharat Taxi in the state, announcing that drivers joining the cooperative-led ride-hailing platform will operate on a zero-commission model and receive social security coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL) and is positioned as a driver-centric alternative to conventional app-based ride-hailing services. The platform is already operational in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj, according to Adityanath.

Bharat Taxi Drivers to Pay Zero Commission

Under the Bharat Taxi model, drivers, referred to as “Sarathis”, do not have to surrender a commission from their ride earnings. The Union government has also described the platform as a cooperative model designed to promote the economic and social well-being of driver-members. Bharat Taxi Pune Fares: Check Auto, Hatchback, Sedan and SUV Rates After Launch.

The Ministry of Cooperation said in August that Bharat Taxi had adopted a zero-commission model, transparent fare structures and subscription-based participation aimed at providing greater predictability to driver earnings. Adityanath said drivers joining the platform in Uttar Pradesh would also receive social security coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.

Bharat Taxi to Expand Across All 75 UP Districts

The Uttar Pradesh rollout comes as Bharat Taxi prepares for a wider expansion across the state. The Ministry of Cooperation announced on September 17 that the service would be expanded to all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including villages, under the zero-commission cooperative model. At Wednesday’s launch, Adityanath said the platform could create employment opportunities for lakhs of young people and called for its wider use across the state.

MoUs Signed With Lucknow Airport, Metro and Police

Bharat Taxi has entered into agreements with Lucknow airport, Lucknow Metro and Lucknow Police, according to the chief minister. The partnerships are intended to support the integration and expansion of the service within the city's wider transport ecosystem. Bharat Taxi's cooperative structure means drivers are associated as members and stakeholders rather than functioning only as service providers. The Centre has said the platform is intended to offer an alternative mobility option rather than replace private app-based taxi aggregators. Maharashtra Marathi Rule: Auto, Taxi Drivers Get 1-Year Extension To Learn Language, CM Devendra Fadnavis Announces (Video).

Bharat Taxi's National Expansion

Bharat Taxi has been expanding beyond Uttar Pradesh during 2026. The Ministry of Cooperation said in August that the platform had 8.48 lakh registered Sarathis and 44.27 lakh registered customers as of August 4. It has been rolled out across Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, with further expansion dependent on operational readiness and required approvals.

The platform was also launched in Maharashtra in July, while services had earlier begun across major cities in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot. At the Uttar Pradesh launch, five Bharat Taxi drivers were presented with share certificates, highlighting the cooperative ownership model behind the service.

The launch was held alongside the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, under which the state government has reduced the interest rate on certain long-term loans for small and marginal farmers from 11% to 6%. The two initiatives were launched at the same programme in Lucknow.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).