Bharat Taxi App: Cooperative model to challenge Ola, Uber, Rapido

• Central government introduces strict regulations for app-based cab services (Ola, Uber, Rapido) to control surge pricing.
• New rules cap surge pricing at 2x the base fare and mandate a minimum 50% discount during low demand.
• Government is testing 'Bharat Taxi App', a cooperative model (STCL) run by drivers, to boost driver income and ensure fair pricing.
• Bharat Taxi App aims to give owner-drivers at least 80% of the fare and 60% to drivers using app-owned vehicles.
• The new guidelines eliminate 'dead mileage' charges, ensuring passengers only pay from pickup to destination.

Why It Matters: New Bharat Taxi App and rules promise fairer fares for riders and higher earnings for drivers.