BS EDIT: Augmenting mobility

By Business StandardPublished On Feb 12, 2026

A shifting market

App-based mobility in India has long been dominated by a near duopoly, marked by fare volatility and driver unrest

The cooperative model

Bharat Taxi promises zero commission, surge-free pricing, and driver ownership — redirecting profits to members

Benefits for drivers and users

Drivers may gain higher earnings and welfare support

Passengers may benefit from transparent, predictable fares

Business-model innovation

Rapido’s subscription model and experiments like Namma Yatri have already pressured incumbents to rethink commissions

Sustainability concerns

A zero-commission structure may limit scalability unless alternative monetisation strategies are developed

Need for regulatory balance

The cooperative model is welcome — but government backing must not distort competition

A level playing field is essential