According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is in principle open to discussing the implementation of cross-border e-hailing between Johor and Singapore. He acknowledged that such an endeavour must be a joint initiative between the two nations.
When winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan for the MOT in the Dewan Rakyat, Loke stated that one party alone cannot implement cross-border e-hailing. The minister went on to say that both sides needed to come into agreement before it can be implemented.
Previously, the matter had been brought up with Singapore’s former Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat. However, at the time, the republic was not ready to discuss the proposal. Loke expressed his hope to revive the discussion on improving cross-border connectivity and receive positive feedback.
Earlier this month, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) asserted that it had no plans on fully implementing cross-border e-hailing services between the two countries. Instead, it preferred to explore other alternatives for improving connectivity such as expanding the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS).
Loke also highlighted the federal government’s efforts to address the traffic congestion between Johor and Singapore. Among the initiatives to solve the issue include upgrading the main road network connecting the Bukit Chagar Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station.
Other than that, the MOT and the Johor state government are planning to expand the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) scheme. Loke added that the Johor government has identified 13 bus routes from JB Sentral to strategic locations for passenger convenience.
(Source: Bernama)
