Patna, November 2: Bihar is expected to launch the Bharat Taxi service by the end of November, providing passengers with another option for booking taxis and auto-rickshaws while allowing local drivers to connect with a digital platform.
The customer app has been activated and its testing has been completed, according to the state Transport Department. Preparations for the rollout are underway, with the first phase planned for Patna, Gaya, Vaishali and Muzaffarpur.
A review meeting was held at Vishveshwarya Bhawan in Patna on Monday under the chairmanship of Transport Secretary Raj Kumar. Officials reviewed preparations related to the proposed launch, vehicle and driver registration, permit compliance, the IT platform and public outreach.
Four districts to be covered in the first phase
State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan said the service would initially be introduced in Patna, Gaya, Vaishali and Muzaffarpur. The department plans to work with auto and cab associations to bring more local drivers onto the platform.
Transport Secretary Raj Kumar said the service would offer a new transport option to both passengers and drivers while promoting greater transparency and technology-based facilities in the existing taxi service system.
He directed all concerned departments and organisations to coordinate and complete the remaining preparations within the stipulated timeline.
Around 2,005 drivers already registered
Bharat Taxi CEO Colonel Himanshu said approximately 2,005 taxi drivers in Bihar had already joined the platform.
The service follows a cooperative-based ‘Sarathi-Malik’ model, under which drivers can become members and owners of the cooperative society. They can also secure representation on its management board.
How Bharat Taxi will work
Bharat Taxi is a mobile app-based taxi booking service operating through a cooperative model. Unlike conventional aggregator platforms, it aims to give participating drivers a stake in the cooperative structure.
According to the department, the platform is expected to offer several features:
- An additional option for passengers to book taxis and auto-rickshaws.
- Opportunities for local cab and auto drivers to join a digital platform.
- Relief from per-ride commission deductions for drivers.
- Information about fares and vehicle availability through the app.
- Safety-related facilities for passengers, including women travellers.
Officials and driver associations attend meeting
The meeting was attended by State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan, Patna Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, Traffic DIG Sushant Kumar Saroj, Patna District Transport Officer Upendra Pal, representatives of Bharat Taxi, and members of the Bihar Motor Cab Drivers Union and Patna Cab Drivers Union.
The service is targeted for launch by the end of November, subject to completion of the remaining preparations.
