Bharat Taxi Launches in Pune, Offers RTO-Approved Fares, No Surge Pricing and ₹100 Amul Voucher on Every Ride
Bharat Taxi has launched operations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad offering cab services at government-approved Regional Transport Office (RTO) fares. This cooperative-backed ride-hailing platform, promoted by the Ministry of Cooperation, promises transparent pricing with no surge charges, while also introducing a launch offer that gives passengers a ₹100 Amul Ice Cream voucher after every completed ride.
Unlike conventional cab aggregators that increase fares during peak hours, heavy rain or traffic congestion, Bharat Taxi follows fixed RTO-approved tariffs for every trip. Passengers can view the fare before booking, ensuring there are no unexpected price hikes regardless of demand.
To attract new users, the company has rolled out a promotional offer under which commuters receive a ₹100 Amul Ice Cream voucher after each completed ride. The voucher can be redeemed through Blinkit. The offer is currently available in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, Lucknow, Jaipur and Chandigarh, subject to terms and conditions.
The service has initially deployed its fleet across key locations in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. According to the company, riders can expect average pickup times of around four minutes in areas where sufficient drivers are available. The app also offers GPS-based ride tracking and real-time trip monitoring to enhance passenger safety.
The fare structure announced for Pune includes ₹18 per kilometre for auto-rickshaws, ₹24 per kilometre for motorcycles with pillion service, ₹25 per kilometre for motor sedans, and ₹32 per kilometre for SUVs.
Bharat Taxi operates through Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, making it different from conventional ride-hailing platforms. Drivers become members of the cooperative instead of working under a commission-based aggregator model, allowing them to retain a larger share of their earnings.
According to the cooperative, drivers receive around 80 to 90 per cent of the trip fare, with lower commission deductions than those charged by many commercial platforms. Drivers are also free to continue accepting bookings through other ride-hailing apps, giving them flexibility without exclusivity requirements.
The initiative is supported by eight leading cooperative institutions, including AMUL (GCMMF), IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NDDB, NCEL, NCDC and NABARD. The Ministry of Cooperation has promoted the platform as part of its efforts to strengthen cooperative enterprises in India’s growing gig economy while providing fair returns to drivers and affordable transport for commuters.
Passengers can book rides by downloading the Bharat Taxi app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, registering with their mobile number and entering their destination. The app displays the applicable RTO fare before the booking is confirmed.
With driver onboarding continuing across Maharashtra, Bharat Taxi is expected to expand its network in Pune and neighbouring areas over the coming months, giving commuters another option for predictable fares while offering drivers a cooperative-based earning model.
Jayant Mahajan is a writer and contributor at PuneNow, covering the intersection of technology, climate action, and urban governance across Pune. With an extensive background in business management, digital transformation, and academia, Jayant brings real-world insight to local sustainability issues, from civic infrastructure to smart city data ethics. As an educator and founder of the Change Before Climate Change mission, he focuses on how Pune’s institutions and businesses can build future-ready, sustainable systems. Through his columns, Jayant bridges policy, technology, and practical action to help Punekars navigate a rapidly changing urban climate.
