Bharat Taxi launched in Uttar Pradesh; service rolled out in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Lucknow: What does it mean for Saarthis and passengers?
Bharat Taxi is expanding its services into Uttar Pradesh. This cooperative-based cab service has now been launched in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.
The most significant change lies in the service's design, which centers on its drivers—or 'Saarthis'. Bharat Taxi adopts a "Driver is the Owner" model. This means that the Saarthis are not merely service providers for a traditional ride-hailing platform; they also hold a stake in the cooperative.
What might change for the Saarthis?
For drivers, the cooperative model aims to transform how they earn and participate.
Unlike traditional aggregator models, where drivers typically part with a portion of their earnings as commission, Bharat Taxi states that its goal is to ensure the majority of the revenue generated from rides goes directly to the Saarthis. Earnings from rides are deposited into their accounts, and the cooperative structure grants them ownership rights and a role in the decision-making process.
This could mean that Saarthis have a greater financial and participatory stake in the platform they work for, rather than simply relying on an app to secure rides.
Since its launch in February 2026, the initiative has expanded rapidly. According to the Ministry of Cooperation, over 10 lakh Saarthis are associated with Bharat Taxi, and approximately 20,000 rides take place daily. In the last six months, more than Rs 100 crore has been deposited into the Saarthis' accounts.
In the five new cities in Uttar Pradesh where the service has launched, around 40,000 Saarthis have already registered and are expected to begin providing services soon.
What does this mean for passengers?
The most immediately visible change for passengers is the availability of an additional cab-booking option.
Residents of Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj will be able to use 'Bharat Taxi' as the service expands locally. The platform is already operational in cities such as Delhi, Gujarat, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.
The cooperative model could also distinguish this service from traditional app-based cab companies, as Saarthis hold an ownership stake in the platform. However, as the service expands, the actual passenger experience will depend on factors such as the availability of 'Saarthis', fares, waiting times, service coverage, and ease of booking.
Why are 'Saarthis' crucial to 'Bharat Taxi'?
A key feature of 'Bharat Taxi' is its attempt to place Saarthis at the heart of its business model.
The government views this initiative as part of a broader effort to make the cooperative sector more technology-driven and transparent. The aim is for 'Saarthis' to benefit not only from providing rides but also from their participation in the cooperative.