ComfortDelGro to start hotline bookings, doorstep pick-ups for cross-border taxi rides from Sept 25

SINGAPORE – Travellers heading to Johor Bahru can book a cross-border ride from anywhere in Singapore through ComfortDelGro’s (CDG) hotline from Sept 25.

The transport giant announced the new initiative in a Facebook post on Sept 18.

Most trips will cost a fixed fare of $80. But pick-ups from Ban San Street taxi stand will cost $60, while those from the airport will cost $120, it said.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, a CDG spokesperson said all its 90 cabbies with a valid cross-border taxi licence will be available for this service.

Customers can call the CDG hotline on 6552-1111 to make an immediate booking, or reserve a ride up to 24 hours in advance, the spokesperson said.

Customers will be dropped off at Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru – the designated drop-off point for Singapore taxis.

“We recognise the growing demand for cross-border transportation and are committed to expanding our travel options for passengers, as well as more earning opportunities for our cabbies,” the spokesperson said.

The move follows efforts to improve cross-border services between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as efforts here to crack down on illegal cross-border transport services.

In a Facebook post on Sept 2, the Land Transport Authority acknowledged that improvements to cross-border services could include designating more pick-up and drop-off points.

Under the existing reciprocal cross-border taxi scheme, a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each side can ferry passengers between Singapore and Johor Bahru.

These taxis can pick up and drop off passengers at only a designated point in each country – Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru for Singapore taxis, and Ban San Street Terminal in Rochor for Malaysian taxis.

In response to ComfortDelGro’s announcement, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said in a Facebook post on Sept 19: “Some netizens have asked why there cannot be more landing points in Malaysia.

“The Malaysian authorities have to agree since this is in Malaysia. We are discussing with them.”

She added that Singapore will continue its enforcement against illegal cross-border rides, which also ferry passengers from point to point within the Republic.

Ms Sun said two such vehicles were impounded on Sept 18 in the city area.

“Such illegal cross-border and point-to-point services vehicles neither have proper licences nor insurance coverage,” she said. “There is no coverage for passengers if there is an accident.

“Furthermore, they take away jobs from local taxi and PHV (Private Hire Vehicle) drivers who drive for a living.”