9 drivers had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal rides between S'pore and M'sia
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) caught nine drivers providing illegal ride-hailing services between Singapore and Malaysia over the past week.
They were caught during checks at Arab Street, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Marsiling Road and Changi Airport, said LTA in a Facebook post on Sept 26.
All their vehicles were impounded.
Drivers caught providing illegal ride-hailing services face up to $3,000 fines, six months' jail or both, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
LTA added: "With our ongoing regulatory efforts and tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and National Taxi Association, we continue to act against illegal ride-hailing services to protect passenger safety and the interests of licensed drivers."
Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling posted on Facebook: "The drivers of these vehicles will be charged for providing illegal ride-hail services.
"As their vehicles are unlicensed, they also do not have adequate insurance coverage for passengers who engage their services."
She added: "If you are heading to Malaysia through the land Checkpoints, you can book your rides with licensed point-to-point operators in Singapore, including ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier."
Taxi operator ComfortDelGro recently announced that from Sept 25, travellers heading to Johor Bahru can book a cross-border ride from anywhere in Singapore through a hotline.
You can call 6552-1111 to make an immediate booking or reserve a ride up to 24 hours in advance, a ComforDelGro spokesperson told The Straits Times.
Most trips will cost a fixed fare of $80. But pick-ups from Ban San Street taxi stand will cost $60 while those from the airport will cost $120.
Passengers will be dropped off at Larkin Sentral Terminal, the designated drop-off point for Singapore taxis in Johor Bahru.
Ms Sun said in another Facebook post: "Some netizens have asked why there cannot be more landing points in Malaysia.
"The Malaysian authorities have to agree since this is in Malaysia. We are discussing with them."
She added that Singapore will continue its enforcement against illegal cross-border rides, which also ferry passengers from point to point within the Republic.
