Bookings for cross-border rides with taxi operator Strides Premier can be done through an online form. - ST
SINGAPORE: Travellers headed to Johor Bahru can book cross-border rides offered by taxi operator Strides Premier via an online form.
In a Facebook post on the evening of Sept 19, the operator said that bookings can be made through a form on its website, with pickups available at any Singapore location.
Most trips from a Singapore location to Larkin Sentral Terminal will cost $80, although a pick-up at Changi Airport or Seletar Airport will cost $120.
On the other hand, those from Ban San Street taxi stand will cost $60.
Conversely, passengers from Larkin Sentral Terminal can choose to be dropped off at any location in Singapore, with prices starting at $60 for those who have not made bookings in advance.
It will cost $70 instead if a booking was made beforehand.
Choosing to alight at Ban San Street taxi stand will meanwhile cost RM120 ($36.55).
The Straits Times has contacted transport operator SMRT, which owns Strides Premier, for more information, including whether the service is already operational.
This latest move comes after ComfortDelGro (CDG) announced on Sept 18 that bookings for cross-border rides to Johor Baru from anywhere in Singapore can be made through its hotline from Sept 25.
The transport giant said that its 90 cabbies who have valid cross-border taxi licences will be available to provide the service.
Customers can call its hotline at 6552-1111 to make an immediate booking, or reserve a ride in advance.
Most trips will also cost $80, while pick-ups from Ban San Street taxi stand will cost $60. Those from the airport will cost $120.
The push to provide greater convenience by taxi operators here follow efforts to improve cross-border services between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as a crackdown on illegal ride-hailing activities.
The Land Transport Authority had acknowledged in early September that improvements could be made to the current system, including having more designated pick-up and drop-off points.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling, however, said in a Facebook post on Sept 19 that having more drop-off points in Malaysia would depend on Malaysian authorities, and that both countries’ representatives were discussing it.
Under the current reciprocal cross-border taxi scheme, a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each country can ferry passengers between Singapore and Johor Baru.
These taxis can only pick up and drop off passengers at a designated point.
Singapore taxis can do so at Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Baru, while Malaysian taxis have Ban San Street Terminal in Rochor. - The Straits Times/ANN
