Lucknow: In India’s fast-growing ride-hailing economy, Lucknow is set to become the next testing ground for an alternative model even as the cooperative department prepares a formal roll-out of Bharat Taxi platform in the state capital later this month.Projected as a pointed challenger to online cab service, the initiative – currently operational in Delhi and Ahmedabad – could reshape urban mobility through cooperative ownership and regulated pricing.Unlike existing platforms that charge drivers a commission on each ride, Bharat Taxi introduces a fixed-fee model. Drivers — referred to as ‘Saarthis’ — will have to pay a predetermined amount to the platform, insulating them from fluctuating commission rates and potentially improving income predictability.Equally significant is the platform’s commitment to controlled fares, even during peak hours. This is seen as a direct response to one of the most persistent consumer complaints against app-based cab services: surge pricing. If implemented effectively, this could change pricing dynamics in Lucknow’s urban transport market.Commissioner of the cooperative department, Yogesh Kumar said at least five departments would soon be signing an MoU with Bharat Taxi before its formal rollout. These departments include railways, Metro, Airport Authority of India, transportation and UP Police. “The idea is to enforce utmost safety of the passengers using the platform and we hope to get the best results,” he told TOI.20k saarthis have already registeredBharat Taxi or ‘Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited’ is a multi-state cooperative society of ‘Saarthis’ built on the principles of fair earnings, shared ownership and dignified livelihoods for drivers. The platform is supported by leading national cooperative institutions, including National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) (popularly known as Amul), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). As per initial reports, over 20,000 Saarthis have already joined the platform alongside over 10,000 app downloads.
