Fact Check: Are Ola, Uber, Rapido Drivers Striking Because Of The New Bharat Taxi App?

App-based drivers across India have announced a nationwide strike on February 7, 2026, demanding fair fares and stronger government regulation in the ride-hailing sector.

The protest, called the "All India Breakdown," is expected to affect services provided by major platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido in several cities.

The strike is being led by gig worker unions, including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), which has raised concerns about falling driver earnings, lack of minimum fare protection and the absence of clear regulations for aggregator platforms.

Nationwide Strike by App-Based Drivers

Gig worker unions have said that drivers from across the country will go offline for around six hours on February 7 as part of the protest.

The unions claim that despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, many ride-hailing platforms continue to decide fares on their own without proper regulation.

According to the union, this has created financial stress for drivers who depend on these platforms for their livelihood. In a statement, worker representatives said that the absence of minimum fares and clear rules has resulted in income instability and exploitation.

They have urged the government to immediately intervene and start discussions with worker representatives. The unions believe that without proper regulation, drivers will continue to face economic hardship while companies earn profits.

Key Demands Raised by Gig Worker Unions

The protesting unions have put forward several demands aimed at improving working conditions and income security for drivers. One of the main demands is the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including taxis, autos and bike taxis.

They have also called for strict enforcement of rules to prevent private, non-commercial vehicles from being used for commercial passenger or goods transport. According to the unions, such practices affect licensed drivers and reduce their earnings.

The workers are also seeking a transparent and fair regulatory system where fares are decided in consultation with driver unions and in line with existing guidelines. They have warned that if discussions with the government do not begin soon, disruptions to app-based transport services may be seen in many cities.

Bharat Taxi App Launched

Amid the ongoing concerns in the app-based transport sector, a new cooperative ride-hailing service called Bharat Taxi has been launched in Delhi-NCR. The service was introduced by Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah at an event in New Delhi.

Bharat Taxi is designed as a cooperative platform that aims to provide better earnings and respect for drivers. Unlike private aggregators, the app follows a no-commission model, allowing drivers to keep the full fare paid by passengers. This model is expected to reduce financial pressure on drivers.

The service is currently available in Delhi-NCR and is expected to expand to other states and cities in the coming months.

Features and Benefits of Bharat Taxi

According to officials, Bharat Taxi offers transparent pricing without surge charges. This means passengers will not face sudden fare increases during peak hours. The service aims to keep fares affordable while ensuring drivers receive fair compensation.

The cooperative may introduce a small daily fee for drivers in the future, likely between ₹25 and ₹30, which is still lower than the commission charged by many private platforms. The service also plans to offer loans to drivers to help them purchase vehicles and generate employment.

For safety, Bharat Taxi has partnered with Delhi Police and Gujarat Police. Features such as real-time tracking, verified drivers, multilingual support and round-the-clock customer care are expected to improve the overall travel experience.

Future of App-Based Transport Sector

The upcoming strike and the launch of Bharat Taxi highlight the ongoing changes in India's app-based transport sector. Drivers are demanding fair pay and regulation, while new models like cooperative platforms are being introduced as alternatives.

The government's response to the strike and the demands of gig workers will play an important role in shaping the future of the industry. As February 7 approaches, commuters and drivers alike are waiting to see how the situation develops.