JOHOR BAHRU – 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,” she said at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru on May 15. “The increase is just too steep and sudden, but I had no choice because I needed to rush for my shift.”
Ms Reetha, 52, who travels between Singapore and her home town in Muar once every two weeks, said she used to pay much less for the journey.
“It used to cost RM120 (S$38) 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 pickup 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.
