Singapore, Malaysia to raise cross-border taxi quota to 500 each and add two ride-hailing operators

SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA: Singapore and Malaysia are increasing their cross-border taxi quotas to 500 vehicles each from Nov 16, while adding two ride-hailing operators to give travellers more choices.

Singapore-based CDG Zig and Malaysia’s Kumpool will join GrabCar as licensed operators under the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme.

The expansion raises the combined quota from 600 to 1,000 licensed taxis, strengthening transport links between the neighbouring countries. The additional operators will give passengers more options for cross-border point-to-point journeys. The changes were announced in a joint statement by both countries’ transport ministries on Nov 6, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported.

More flexible drop-off arrangements for travellers

CDG Zig said it welcomed the new licence, with its head of Singapore point-to-point business, Michael Huang, saying the company would work with authorities and drivers to ensure safe and reliable services.

The latest expansion follows changes introduced in May that allowed licensed cross-border taxis to drop off passengers at more locations.

Previously, drivers could only pick up and drop off passengers at one designated point in the other country. They can now drop passengers anywhere in Singapore and within designated areas covering Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai.

However, pick-ups across the border stay restricted to designated locations. Both transport ministries said commuters had responded positively to the increased flexibility.

Taxi association raises concerns over driver earnings

More taxis and booking platforms may benefit passengers, but the expansion has raised concerns among local taxi drivers.

National Taxi Association executive secretary Teo Siew Pan said members were understandably worried about job opportunities and earnings.

The quota increased from 200 to 300 in May and will reach 500 from Nov 16.

The association has asked the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to consider issuing additional licences in phases, balancing passenger demand with drivers’ livelihoods.

Ms Teo also suggested reviewing pick-up arrangements and adding more collection points to support taxi drivers.

Photo: Nick Karean/AI illustration

Cross-border taxis along the Singapore-Malaysia route

More transport choices are welcome, but the benefits should also reach drivers. Expanding the service would be more helpful when passenger convenience and drivers’ ability to earn a living are considered together.