Johor politician meets cross-border car operators, proposes regulated charter service with fixed pick-up points following LTA clampdown

Johor state assemblyman, Andrew Chen, recently met with cross-border charter car operators from Johor to discuss how to better regulate and legalise such services.

This comes amid recent concerns over rising prices of illegal ride-hailing services and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) clampdown on Malaysian drivers operating illegally here.

Key proposal discussed

During the dialogue, several suggestions were put forward:

1. Local customers served by local drivers

Firstly, the group suggested that Malaysian customers should be served by Malaysian charter drivers, while Singaporean customers should be served by Singaporean drivers.

Passengers from other countries, however, should be free to choose between either side.

2. Fixed pick-up and drop-off points

They also proposed that both governments designate multiple official pick-up and drop-off points in Singapore and Johor.

They said this would make cross-border services more orderly and easier to regulate.

3. Extension of cross-border taxi services

Lastly, the group called for cross-border taxi services to be given more flexibility.

Currently, cross-border taxis can only operate between Johor Bahru and Bugis.

The proposal seeks to allow more routes and drop-off points so that taxis can compete on a fairer playing field.

Other matters discussed included whether to standardise fares, improve management through GPS tracking, and ensure adequate insurance coverage for passengers.

Chen added that he hopes the relevant authorities from both countries can study the proposals and "make a proper decision" on the matter.

LTA's position

LTA said in an official statement on Aug. 3 that while they remain open to ideas on improving the cross-border travelling experience, LTA has "no plan to fully liberalise cross-border point-to-point transport via ride-hail services."

There is currently a reciprocal Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS) in place that allows a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each side to ferry passengers between Singapore and JB.

Existing quota not fully utilised

The taxis under the scheme are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers only at a single designated point in each country — Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore and Larkin Sentral in JB.

LTA noted that the existing quota of the CBTS is not fully utilised and that they will be encouraging full take up of the quota of the licensed taxis.

They are also planning to increase the number of boarding and alighting points in both countries, as well as the option to use ride-hailing apps to book cross-border trips on the licensed taxis.

LTA stated that their key priorities when it comes to the cross-border point-to-point regime is to safeguard the interests of their taxi and private hire drivers. while ensuring commuter demands are met.

"As CBTS is a reciprocal arrangement, any change will require agreement from both governments."

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Top image via Andrew Chen Kah Eng on Facebook and Google Maps