M’sian company launches JB-SG taxi service, but LTA says it has not approved any ride-hailing platform for cross-border trips

SINGAPORE: Malaysian ride-hailing platform Kummute has launched a new cross-border taxi service between Malaysia and Singapore, touting it as a legal service operated in partnership with licensed taxi operators from both countries. However, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it has not approved any ride-hailing platform to provide cross-border passenger services.

According to reports in Malaysian media, the service was launched earlier this month. Kummute’s website describes the initiative as the first app in Malaysia and Singapore that allows passengers to legally hail licensed cross-border taxis.

The company claims that passengers can book rides from anywhere in West Malaysia or Singapore, although drop-off points remain restricted to Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru and the Ban San Street Taxi Terminal in Singapore.

LTA has since made clear that it is working with Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency to clarify Kummute’s operating model.

The authority reiterated that the long-standing practice for cross-border taxi operations is to permit licensed taxi drivers to offer such services through approved platforms, ensuring they remain under proper supervision to maintain passenger safety and convenience.

As cross-border taxi services are a reciprocal arrangement, any proposal must be carefully studied and agreed upon by both Singapore and Malaysia, said the LTA. The agency added that further details will be announced once a consensus is reached and plans are finalised.