Sahkar Taxi: Govt Launches No-Commission Cab Service to Rival Ola, Uber

Sahkar Taxi: Govt Launches No-Commission Cab Service to Rival Ola, Uber

Imagine booking a cab where the driver earns every rupee you pay—without any commission cuts by big tech companies. This is exactly what the government aims to achieve with its newly announced Sahkar Taxi service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed the plan in the Lok Sabha, stating that this initiative will provide a fair and transparent alternative to Ola and Uber.

A Game-Changer for Drivers and Passengers

Sahkar Taxi is designed as a cooperative-based ride service, ensuring that drivers keep 100% of their earnings. Unlike existing ride-hailing platforms that charge hefty commissions, this app-based system allows taxi drivers, rickshaw pullers, and two-wheeler operators to register directly through cooperative societies—cutting out middlemen entirely.

Amit Shah emphasized that the Ministry of Cooperation has been working on this project for over three years, and in just a few months, a large-scale launch will take place. The service aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity Through Cooperation) and is expected to revolutionize India’s gig economy.

Why the Govt Is Challenging Ola and Uber

The decision to launch Sahkar Taxi comes at a time when Ola and Uber are facing scrutiny over pricing policies. Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to both companies after reports surfaced about different fares being charged based on a user’s phone type—Android vs. iPhone.

A viral post on social media in December 2024 highlighted this issue, sparking concerns over unfair pricing strategies. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi called this an ‘unfair trade practice’ and confirmed that the government is expanding its investigation into similar pricing concerns in food delivery and online ticketing sectors.

What Makes Sahkar Taxi Different?

1. No Commission Fees – Drivers keep their full earnings, unlike Ola and Uber, which take a significant cut.
2. Cooperative Ownership – Taxis, rickshaws, and two-wheelers will be registered under cooperative societies, giving drivers greater control.
3. Transparent Pricing – A fair and consistent pricing model ensures riders are charged reasonably without hidden algorithms.
4. Govt-Backed Security & Support – The initiative is supported by the government, ensuring better regulations and accountability.

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When Will Sahkar Taxi Launch?

Amit Shah confirmed that the service will be rolled out in a few months, making it a strong contender in India’s ride-hailing market. While details on app functionality and registration processes are yet to be revealed, the concept itself has already created a buzz among drivers and passengers alike.

As the gig economy evolves, initiatives like Sahkar Taxi could redefine how ride-sharing platforms operate, ensuring a fairer and more transparent system for everyone involved. Stay tuned for further updates on this game-changing service!