Pune, 1st August 2026: Commuters in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and nearby areas are set to benefit from a new government-backed cab service that eliminates surge pricing.
The Union Ministry of Cooperation has launched Bharat Taxi in the city, ensuring passengers pay only the fares approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), regardless of demand, traffic congestion or weather conditions.
The cooperative-based service aims to offer affordable and transparent transportation while reducing commuters' dependence on private app-based taxi aggregators. According to the company, passengers can expect a cab within approximately 4.5 minutes, improving convenience during peak travel hours.
Bharat Taxi has already onboarded around 35,000 drivers, reflecting strong interest from the driver community. Officials said the service is receiving a positive response from commuters and will continue expanding across Pune in the coming months.
The initiative is being operated through Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, an organisation functioning under the Ministry of Cooperation. It was introduced after Mumbai and is positioned as an alternative to private ride-hailing platforms, which have often faced criticism over fluctuating fares and customer complaints.
Unlike private cab aggregators that increase fares during periods of high demand, Bharat Taxi follows only the official RTO fare structure. This means passengers will not have to pay any additional charges during heavy rain, traffic congestion or peak hours.
Officials say the transparent pricing model is designed to protect commuters from unpredictable fare hikes while ensuring reliable service at government-approved rates.
Along with city rides, Bharat Taxi has also started intercity services. The Pune-Mumbai route is currently operational, while services connecting Pune with Nashik, Solapur and Kolhapur are expected to be introduced in the near future.
City Head of Bharat Taxi, Mohit Mitra, said the service is committed to providing safe and transparent transport at government-approved fares without any hidden or surge charges. He added that the registration of 35,000 drivers reflects the confidence drivers have placed in the platform, while commuters have also responded positively.
Frequent commuter Gayatri Bapat welcomed the initiative, saying passengers had long been burdened by excessive charges imposed by private cab services. She said the new service offers greater affordability and also provides a safer travel option, especially for women travelling alone at night.