From May 4 onwards, licensed taxis will be permitted to drop off passengers anywhere in Singapore and at several areas in Johor, including Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai.
The move is part of enhancements announced by the transport ministries of both countries, following discussions at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in December last year.
However, pick-ups in the foreign country will be restricted to three designated points and must be made via ride-hailing or e-hailing bookings.
Existing pick-up and drop-off arrangements at the Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore and the Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru will remain unchanged.
Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) CEO Ng Lang said the enhancements would improve connectivity and convenience for commuters travelling between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) director-general Ahmad Radhi Maarof said the move marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral transport connectivity and improving the cross-border travel experience.
“Apad remains committed to working hand in hand with LTA and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful delivery of these improvements.
“The movement of people across the Causeway is a vital thread in the fabric of our bilateral relationship, and we are determined to make that experience as smooth and convenient as possible,” he said in a statement.
The agreement also includes an increase in the cross-border taxi quota, with each country initially adding 100 vehicles on top of the existing 200.
The expanded fleet will include standard four-seater taxis as well as larger six-seater and premium vehicles to cater for families, groups and business travellers. Both sides aim to gradually increase the quota to 500 taxis each.
To address illegal domestic point-to-point transport services, new enforcement measures will be introduced.
Licensed taxis operating across the border will be required to display clear livery, use specific vehicle plate prefixes and taxi topper signage, and install enforcement devices as required by the respective foreign authorities.
For safety reasons, vehicles used under the scheme must not be more than 10 years old.
The arrangement also maintains a “no vacant entry” rule, requiring taxis to carry at least one passenger when entering the foreign country, except during limited exemptions.
Malaysia-registered taxis may enter Singapore without passengers on Fridays from noon to midnight, while Singapore-registered taxis may do the same into Malaysia on Sundays during those hours.