newly enhanced cross-border taxi scheme<\/span><\/a> has left many travellers shocked and frustrated.<\/p>\nAmong those caught off guard by the new rates is Malaysian worker S. Reetha, who has been commuting to Singapore for more than two decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was taken aback when the driver told me the fare. I thought he was lying or trying to overcharge me because I didn\u2019t know about the new scheme,\u201d she said at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru on May 15. \u201cThe increase is just too steep and sudden, but I had no choice because I needed to rush for my shift.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d said the administrative executive.<\/p>\n
On April 30, the Transport Ministry and its Singapore counterpart announced an enhanced cross-border taxi scheme.<\/p>\n
The revised policy, which came into effect on May 4, allows more flexible pickup and drop-off locations alongside a new fare structure.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Taxi drivers were also seen explaining the new scheme to passengers and displaying notices detailing the updated fares for different vehicle categories.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI later understood the situation after the driver explained the new policy to me. While I can afford the new rate, I still think it\u2019s very expensive and can see how it would become a burden for many locals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stick to the bus or train from now on, especially after learning how expensive the taxi fare is. It\u2019s good that we can now book a taxi from anywhere in Singapore, but the convenience comes at a very high price,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, homemaker 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still travel to Singapore occasionally to visit family and friends, but it can be difficult travelling alone because there was no direct service before,\u201d said Ms Baculanta, who is from the Philippines.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the fare is expensive, it\u2019s good to have the option of a direct ride, especially when travelling with family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Larkin Sentral Johor Bahru-Singapore cross-border taxi services coordinator Abdul Rahman Atan said passenger numbers have dropped significantly since the enhanced scheme was introduced.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaxi drivers now have to wait much longer just to secure a trip because of the sharp increase in fares,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n