A new agreement between Singapore and Malaysia now allows licensed cross-border taxis to drop passengers anywhere in Singapore and in expanded zones across Johor, making trips across the Causeway faster and far more convenient.
Starting today, travelers can skip the traditional terminal-only drop-off and ride directly to their final destination—whether that’s a home in Toa Payoh or a hotel in Iskandar Puteri. The change, announced jointly by both countries’ transport ministries, marks one of the most significant overhauls of cross-border taxi rules in years and aims to ease congestion at terminals while curbing illegal ride-hailing.
What’s Actually Changing?
Previously, cross-border taxis were required to end every journey at designated terminals: Ban San Street in Singapore and Larkin Sentral in Johor. Passengers then had to arrange a second ride—taxi, bus, or train—to reach their actual stop.
Now, licensed taxis can drop passengers anywhere in Singapore and in a broadened list of Johor locations that includes Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai. For residents on both sides of the Causeway, that means a single taxi ride can get them door-to-door, cutting transfer times and simplifying luggage-heavy trips.
Pick-Ups Stay Strictly Controlled
The flexibility applies only to drop-offs. Foreign-licensed taxis still cannot pick up passengers wherever they like. In Singapore, permitted pick-up points include Ban San Street Terminal and designated areas near VivoCity, Century Square, and Joo Koon. In Malaysia, pick-ups are limited to Larkin Sentral, Toppen Shopping Centre, Mid Valley Southkey, and Angsana Mall.
This two-tier approach allows governments to maintain regulation of domestic ride-hailing and taxi markets while offering more convenience to arriving passengers.
Grab Now Licensed for Cross-Border Trips
One of the most practical changes for everyday travelers: cross-border ride-hailing is now officially licensed. GrabCar is currently the only operator approved, but its cross-border bookings—previously operating in a legal gray area—are now part of a formal framework. Users can book through the Grab app for a confirmed fare, alongside traditional street-hail taxis at terminals.
What About Fares?
Fares remain regulated and depend on vehicle type. A standard journey from Ban San Street Terminal to Larkin (or up to 35 kilometers) costs:
- Standard four-seater: S$80 or RM240
- Six-seater: S$120
- Premium vehicle: S$180
Drop-offs beyond 35 kilometers add top-up fees starting at S$20 for four-seaters and S$30 for larger vehicles.
To keep up with rising demand, both countries will increase the cross-border taxi quota by 100 vehicles each, bringing the total to 300 per side. Future plans aim to scale that figure to 500 vehicles each, with larger vehicles being introduced to better serve families and group travelers.
Why This Matters
The changes are part of a broader push to improve connectivity across the Causeway, one of the world’s busiest land borders. By making legal cross-border taxis more attractive, officials hope to reduce reliance on unlicensed point-to-point drivers who have long filled gaps in service—often at unpredictable prices and without proper insurance.
For the millions of Singaporeans and Malaysians who cross each year for work, shopping, or family visits, the new rules promise a smoother ride from curb to curb, without the old hassle of that last-mile scramble. Next time you head to Johor, you might just be able to skip the terminal altogether.