JOHOR BAHRU/SINGAPORE – New regulations allowing cross-border taxis to offer door-to-door drop-offs in both Singapore and Malaysia are being welcomed by passengers and drivers, though concerns about potential fare increases remain. The changes, set to take effect soon, will eliminate the current requirement for drop-offs to be limited to transport hubs like Larkin Sentral and Ban San Street Terminal.
Singaporean taxi driver Mr. Ban Kum cheong, 54, noted the demand for wider service areas, stating Singapore drivers are equipped to meet the need, but “fares would need to be revised.” He also emphasized the need for enforcement to ensure drivers operate from designated pick-up locations. Mr. Ban further highlighted the potential for competition between Singaporean and Malaysian drivers, stating authorities should consider “how to maintain the harmony…as we can do each other’s job already” and may compete for the same customers.
Passengers expressed a preference for licensed services, citing safety and reliability. Ms. Choo Siao Way, 48, a Malaysian national who frequently visits her children in singapore, consistently uses licensed cross-border taxis due to luggage needs and a distrust of illegal services, stating, “I’ve never thought of using the illegal services – the prices are higher, and I don’t know if I can trust the drivers.” She anticipates the new rules will be more convenient, allowing drop-offs beyond Larkin Sentral.
Currently, a one-way trip to Larkin Sentral costs S$60 per car or S$15 per passenger.
Singaporean passenger Khairil Anuar Khairudin, 42, who lives in Choa Chu Kang, echoed the convenience factor, saying the flexible drop-offs will be especially helpful for those carrying items from Malaysia. “It will be very convenient for us because if we are dropped off at Ban San, we still need to take another form of transportation to go home,” he explained.
another passenger, Ms. Liaw, waiting at Ban San Street Terminal, said she would need to evaluate the new pricing. “I would need to see how much they charge,” she said. “If it’s too expensive, it’s not worth it, and I would rather have my family pick me up.”