Cross-border taxi quota between Malaysia and Singapore will rise from 200 to 500, with new rules for ride-hail platforms and enhanced bus services
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to strengthen cross-border land transport links for taxi and bus services.
The agreement followed a meeting between Transport Minister Anthony Loke and his Singaporean counterpart Jeffrey Siow during the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat.
A key enhancement is raising the quota of licensed cross-border taxis from 200 to 500 for each country in phases.
This increase is subject to safeguards against illegal domestic trips and compliance with insurance requirements.
“As a start, each country will provide an additional quota of 100, prioritised for larger and more premium vehicles,” the ministers said in a joint statement.
The new quota aims to address the needs of larger groups and business travellers.
Both countries also agreed to allow foreign taxis to drop off passengers anywhere outside their home country.
Pick-ups will remain limited to designated points, which will be increased gradually, to prevent illegal domestic operations.
To support enforcement, licensed taxis must be clearly identifiable by specific livery and tamper-proof vehicle plates.
These taxis will also be required to install Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP2) on-board unit for entry.
The countries will work towards a regulatory regime for cross-border ride-hail and e-hailing platforms.
This aims to improve the convenience of arranging cross-border rides for passengers and drivers.
Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) will align regimes to enhance cross-border bus services for tourism.
Insurance coverage and claim processing for accidents will also be enhanced in both countries.
The ministers said the enhancements reflect a commitment to improving cross-border connectivity and the commuting experience.
“Officials from both countries will maintain close engagement and work expeditiously towards concluding an agreement,” they added. – Bernama
