Malaysia and Singapore are in talks about letting cross-border taxis to drop passengers off at more than just designated locations. Should things go smoothly, it would mean taxis from Malaysia can drop passengers off at locations of their choice in Singapore. Likewise, taxis from the island nation can drop passengers anywhere within the Johor Bahru area.
Channel News Asia cites Singapore Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling as saying ” we recognise that there is demand for commuters for more convenient cross-border point-to-point (P2P) services.” She added that “this will provide greater convenience to commuters from both countries”.
Right now, Malaysian cross-border taxis can only pick up and drop off passengers at Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore. On the other hand, their Singapore equivalents can only do the same at Larkin Sentral, Johor Bahru. The restriction is in place to ensure foreign taxis don’t infringe on local P2P markets. Sun also says that measures using location tracking to prevent illegal trips by foreign taxis in Singapore are being explored.
Previously, Kummute announced its own cross-border taxi booking service via its mobile app. While pickups can be anywhere within either country, drop off points are limited to the aforementioned locations. This change, should it happen, would benefit the company as others offering similar services.
(Source: CNA)
