The platform follows a driver-owned cooperative model, positioning drivers as stakeholders with transparent, commission-free fares Enables consumer ride payments via UPI and Paytm-pioneered QR codes, Soundbox and card machines, alongside providing insurance and financial services for drivers Reinforces Paytm’s role as a full-stack payments and financial services partner for India’s evolving mobility ecosystem.
Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited), India’s full stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, and a leading financial services distribution company, and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Taxi, a ride-hailing initiative endorsed by the Government of India and launched by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, on February 5, 2026.
As part of the initiative, Paytm will extend its mobile payments infrastructure across the Bharat Taxi platform, enabling passengers to pay for rides using UPI within their app, as well as through Paytm-pioneered QR codes, Soundbox and card machines, enabling seamless payment acceptance. The collaboration also brings together efforts around driver UPI onboarding, proposed presence of the Bharat Taxi mini app on the Paytm platform, and initiatives designed to expand visibility and engagement across the two ecosystems, alongside advancing financial inclusion for drivers.
Bharat Taxi is a government-backed ride-hailing platform built on a cooperative model that puts drivers or Sarathis at the heart of the system. Instead of charging commissions, the platform allows drivers to retain their full earnings from each ride, supporting greater transparency, fair income, and long-term financial stability. As part of its collaboration with Paytm, Bharat Taxi will strengthen its digital payments framework to make ride transactions smoother and ensure quicker payouts to drivers. The partnership will also help expand greater access and inclusion to digital financial services while making everyday operations simpler and more secure for drivers across the country.
Paytm spokesperson said, “Bharat Taxi is a thoughtful initiative supported by the Government of India that places drivers at the centre of the mobility ecosystem. We are humbled by the opportunity to contribute our payments infrastructure to make the service convenient and reliable for both passengers and drivers across cities in India. Through this collaboration, we aim to support secure and seamless payment experiences that enhance everyday travel and improve ease of use for all stakeholders.”
Bharat Taxi spokesperson said, “We are building a cooperative, driver-owned ride-hailing platform designed to serve both passengers and drivers effectively. We have partnered with Paytm to strengthen our payments infrastructure and to support drivers with smoother onboarding, access to insurance, and other essential services.”
Aligned with wider efforts to improve access, transparency and efficiency across sectors, Paytm is leveraging its payments and financial services capabilities to support solutions that simplify everyday transactions and drive further financial inclusion.
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