‘Convenience of service comes at very high price’
JOHOR BARU: Despite the convenience, the sharp increase in fares under the newly enhanced cross-border taxi scheme has left many travellers shocked and frustrated.
Among those caught off guard by the new rates is Malaysian worker S. Reetha, who has been commuting to Singapore for more than two decades.
“I was taken aback when the driver told me the fare. I thought he was lying or trying to overcharge me because I didn’t know about the new scheme.
“The increase is just too steep and sudden, but I had no choice because I needed to rush for my shift,” she said when met at Larkin Sentral here yesterday.
Reetha, 52, who travels between Singapore and her hometown in Muar once every two weeks, said she used to pay much less for the journey.
“It used to cost RM120 per trip. Normally, I would share the ride with two other passengers so we could split the fare. We only had to pay RM40 each, but it has gone up to RM80 per person, which is double the previous amount,” said the administrative executive.
On April 30, the Transport Ministry and its Singapore counterpart announced an enhanced cross-border taxi scheme.
The revised policy, which came into effect on May 4, allows more flexible pick-up and drop-off locations alongside a new fare structure.
Checks at the taxi terminal at Larkin Sentral found that many travellers were still unaware of the revised fares, with some expressing disbelief over the increase.
Taxi drivers were also seen explaining the new scheme to passengers and displaying notices detailing the updated fares for different vehicle categories.
American businessman Christian Mola, 52, said he initially thought he was being scammed when informed of the new fare by a taxi driver last week.
“I later understood the situation after the driver explained the new policy to me. While I can afford the new rate, I still think it’s very expensive and can see how it would become a burden for many locals,” he said.
Singaporean hair therapist Joan Chin Koon Mei, 48, who was using the service for the first time, said the added flexibility does not justify the higher cost.
“I’ll stick to the bus or train from now on, especially after learning how expensive the taxi fare is. It’s good that we can now book a taxi from anywhere in Singapore, but the convenience comes at a very high price,” she said.
Meanwhile, housewife Jade Ann Baculanta, 37, welcomed the introduction of door-to-door services, saying it now allows her to book a taxi directly from her home in Kulai.
“I still travel to Singapore occasionally to visit family and friends, but it can be difficult travelling alone because there was no direct service before.
“Although the fare is expensive, it’s good to have the option of a direct ride, especially when travelling with family,” said Baculanta, who is from the Philippines.
Larkin Sentral Johor Baru-Singapore cross-border taxi services coordinator Abdul Rahman Atan said passenger numbers have dropped significantly since the enhanced scheme was introduced.
“Taxi drivers now have to wait much longer just to secure a trip because of the sharp increase in fares,” he said.
Licensed taxis are now allowed to drop off passengers anywhere in Singapore and within designated areas in Johor, namely Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai.
Trips from Larkin Sentral are capped at RM240 for standard four-seater taxis, RM360 for six-seater taxis and RM540 for premium six-seater taxis.
Taxis may also pick up passengers freely within their home country, while taxis operating in the foreign country may only pick up passengers through e-hailing bookings from three designated pick-up points.
