Commuters in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad now have a new ride-hailing option as Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led, driver-owned cab service, has officially commenced operations in the twin cities.
The service offers fixed fares, no surge pricing, and a zero-commission model for drivers, aiming to provide transparent pricing for passengers while improving driver earnings.
Bharat Taxi’s expansion in Maharashtra has been implemented in phases.
The rollout timeline includes:
- Mumbai trial operations: May 25, 2026
- Pune trial operations: June 26, 2026
- Official launch: July 23, 2026, at Navi Mumbai International Airport by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, and other officials.
Following successful trials, the platform is now available across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
One of Bharat Taxi’s biggest attractions is its fixed pricing model.
Unlike many app-based ride-hailing services where fares increase during:
- Rain
- Festivals
- Peak demand
- Late-night hours
Bharat Taxi keeps fares fixed throughout the day.
The only exception is a 10% increase during morning and evening peak hours.
According to Mohit Mitra, City Head of Bharat Taxi Pune, fares have been determined in consultation with drivers and are aligned with Regional Transport Office (RTO) guidelines.
Sedan
- Base fare: ₹25 per km
- Fixed at the RTO base rate
- No reduction below or increase above the fixed rate
Auto-Rickshaw
- ₹18 per km
- Same fare during daytime and night
- Includes waiting time
Pune–Mumbai Intercity Service
The platform has also introduced intercity services.
Current fares include:
- 🚗 Hatchback: ₹21 per km
- 🚘 Sedan: ₹23 per km
- 🚙 SUV: ₹30 per km
Bharat Taxi is also working on launching airport pickup services in Pune.
According to company officials, discussions are underway with airport authorities to establish:
- Passenger pickup booths
- Deposit arrangements
The service is expected to begin operations from the Aeromall once approvals are completed.
Unlike commission-based ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi follows a cooperative ownership model.
Key features include:
- Zero commission charged to drivers
- Drivers become stakeholders in the cooperative
- Greater take-home earnings for drivers
- Transparent pricing for passengers
The initiative aims to balance customer affordability with driver welfare.
Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd. (STCL), a multi-state cooperative society, in partnership with the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
The initiative is also backed by institutions including:
- Amul
- NABARD
Representatives from these organisations are part of the service’s interim governing board.
