‘Earnings have dropped from Rs 35,000 to Rs 18,000’: Bharat Taxi drivers describe a tough start

Bharat Taxi drivers have reported a significant drop in earnings since the government-backed cab app launched in January. Chaman Lal, a 40-year-old driver from Delhi, used to earn around Rs 45,000 a month on Uber and Rapido, but now earns only Rs 18,000 on Bharat Taxi. He gets only one booking every 10 hours he works, compared to multiple rides on other apps.

Lal attributed the decline to the high booking fares and lack of constant ride requests. Many drivers share his experience, with some saying they receive only 1.2-1.5 rides per day on average. The company spokesperson defended the app's fares, claiming they are "driver-friendly" and include costs such as CNG, car EMI, and maintenance.

However, drivers like Triloki Nath and Jitender Kumar blame the high booking rates and technical issues for the decrease in bookings. Kumar reported earning only Rs 15,000-18,000 a month, down from Rs 25,000 before the app's launch.