Taxi Drivers Welcome Malaysia-Singapore Cross-Border Service Expansion

JOHOR BAHRU, May 5 (Bernama) -- The expansion of cross-border taxi services between Malaysia and Singapore, which began yesterday, has been welcomed by local taxi drivers, as the move is expected to boost their income.

A Bernama survey in Larkin found most taxi drivers supportive of the bilateral effort, as it benefits drivers from both countries and improves passenger convenience and safety.

Taxi driver P. Mohan, 62, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, including three years ferrying passengers to Singapore, said the improvement has made passenger movement easier as they can now be sent directly to destinations in the republic.

He said the fares have also increased compared to before, providing some relief for drivers to cover operating costs.

“This is definitely good. It’s now faster and easier. We can send passengers to any location in Singapore. Customers are also safer as we can drop them directly at their homes.

“Previously, the fare was around RM120, now it can reach RM240. There’s an increase, so it helps cover fuel and maintenance costs,” he told Bernama.

Another driver, Mohd Riduan Tunggal, 60, said although it has only been two days, he believes the higher fares will increase the drivers’ earnings.

“Income may increase, depending on the number of passengers. For now, the response is as usual, perhaps because it’s a working day and not many people are travelling yet,” he said.

Meanwhile, taxi driver Raja Afandi Raja Ismail, 53, who has been a taxi driver since 2004, said that coordination efforts between the two countries are a positive step towards ensuring a fairer system for drivers.

“Previously, the systems in Malaysia and Singapore were different, but now they are more streamlined. We can send passengers directly to their homes in Johor Bahru or Singapore,” he said.

However, he said the fare increase has affected daily passengers.

“Previously it was RM120, now RM240. For daily passengers, it is definitely felt, especially those who share rides,” he said.

He also raised concerns about Singapore’s proposed implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) charge, expected to take effect next year, which could affect drivers’ earnings.

Cross-border taxi services between Singapore and Malaysia were expanded starting yesterday, allowing licensed taxis to operate more flexibly in both countries in a bid to facilitate travel, while ensuring fair competition and effective enforcement.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the transport ministries of Singapore and Malaysia said the move reflects their shared commitment to ensuring safe and reliable cross-border travel, while protecting local drivers from illegal services.

-- BERNAMA