Ride-Hailing Fear: Inside Bharat Taxi Coercion Allegations In Gujarat

Passengers arriving in Ahmedabad from Pune described their harrowing experiences with ride-hailing app Bharat Taxi in Gujarat, India. According to a passenger, a group of around 10-15 individuals surrounded her vehicle, instructed her driver to pull over, demanded to know the app she used, and threatened to take control of her phone.

The passenger was ordered to cancel her ride and delete Uber and Rapido apps from her phone, which she eventually complied with. Fearing the confrontation, the passenger switched to Bharat Taxi, but the incident left her wary of using other ride-hailing apps during her trip.

The allegations of coercion, threats, and violence targeting drivers and passengers have not been independently verified. Some drivers claimed they were pressured to switch to Bharat Taxi, despite insufficient bookings on the app to sustain their earnings. Some even reported threats of violence and theft after the groups stopped them. Passengers expressed concerns about finding rides and the implications of forcing family members to switch platforms.

The controversy arises amidst a boycott of Uber and Rapido in Ahmedabad, initiated by cab and autorickshaw drivers due to fare and platform charges. However, Bharat Taxi, India's first government-backed ride-hailing platform, did not respond to Inc42's inquiries about the allegations. The police are also involved, with conflicting reports circulating about their role and actions in the matter.

Rapido, a rival ride-hailing company, defended the police's intervention in ensuring driver and passenger safety, emphasizing the right of captains (drivers) to choose their preferred platform. The drivers themselves, however, remain concerned about the potential continuation of harassment under the guise of Bharat Taxi.