Johor taxi drivers worry about impact of RTS

Cabbies also affected by 24-hour bus, illegal transport services

Cross-border taxi service drivers are worried about their livelihood when the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) service starts operations by the end of 2026.

K. Balaganapathy, 42, when met at the Larkin Sentral Terminal, said passengers would most likely choose the RTS Link over taxi services.

The taxi driver said they would comprise locals working in Singapore who commute daily as well as Singaporeans who come to Johor Baru to shop and dine.

“As of now, we do not know the frequency of the RTS Link, but I assume the service will cover peak hours when passenger volumes are higher.”

The RTS Link is designed to move 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction between Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru and Singapore’s Woodlands North.

Balaganapathy feels passengers will favour the RTS Link.

Balaganapathy said there were many issues affecting cross-border taxi service drivers now.

“We want the authorities to nab those offering illegal transport services,” he said.

Balaganapathy said the presence of Malaysian-registered private cars had been going on for years and that the authorities had not taken any action.

P. Malikka, 62, said tourists arriving at Larkin Sentral from other parts of the peninsula and going to Singapore would probably still use the cross-border taxi service.

“It is more convenient for them to take a taxi if they have a lot of luggage.

Malikka says those with mobility issues prefer taking taxis.

“Senior citizens, families and passengers with mobility issues would also prefer taking taxis,” said Malikka, who previously worked as a counter supervisor at the Johor Baru-Singapore Taxi Terminal in Ban San Street, Singapore, for 30 years.

She also urged the Transport Ministry to look into the 24-hour cross-border bus service that started in 2023.

“Before, the bus service started at 5am and ended at 11.30pm daily,” said Malikka.

“Locals working in Singapore, who had to either enter the republic before 5am or finish work after midnight, would take a taxi to go to Singapore and return to Johor Baru.

“But now, passengers prefer taking the 24-hour bus from Ban San Street, and this has greatly affected our business,” said Mallika, who has been driving a taxi for eight months.