M'sian app Kummute offering CB Taxi service from JB to S'pore, LTA says approval yet to be given

UPDATE on Oct. 12, 4:30pm: This article was updated with a statement from LTA.

Malaysia ride-hailing company Kummute recently launched online bookings for cross-border taxi services from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore on Oct. 6.

It stated that trips from Singapore to Malaysia will be "coming soon".

However, the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed with Mothership that it has not approved any ride-hailing platform to provide cross-border services.

Offers cashless "licensed" cross-border taxis

In a Facebook post on Oct. 6, Kummute said that users can "book directly" with the company via its app for a taxi service to Singapore.

It shared that the rides are cashless, and also described them as "safe" and "reliable".

The CB Taxi service allows those in Malaysia to book licensed cross-border taxis from anywhere in JB to Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore.

A quick check by Mothership on the Kummute app also showed that the company appears to be running a trial on Singapore-Johor Bahru rides, with Larkin Terminal being the designated pick-up and drop-off point in JB.

However, when attempting to book a ride and view prices, a pop-up within the app says that the feature is "currently under development".

LTA clarifying business model

A spokesperson from LTA said that it is working with the Malaysia Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to clarify Kummute's business model.

LTA stated that its aim is to facilitate convenience for passengers by permitting licensed taxis to provide cross-border trips via approved platforms, while ensuring proper regulatory oversight.

The spokesperson added that cross-border taxi services are based on "reciprocal arrangements", and that any proposals will need to be carefully studied and jointly agreed with Malaysian counterparts.

More details will be shared when plans are ready for implementation, LTA said.

To date, travellers from or in Singapore can book licensed taxis to Larkin Terminal online or via phone call with ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier.

The ride fares range from S$60 to S$120.

A ride from JB to Singapore using services from Strides Premier costs S$37.

Top photos via Kummute/Facebook