Malaysian ride-hailing app launches licensed JB–Singapore taxi bookings, but Singapore’s LTA says no approval yet.
Malaysian ride-hailing company Kummute has launched an e-booking option for licensed cross-border taxis between Johor Bahru (JB) and Singapore, but Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) clarified it has not approved any ride-hailing platform for cross-border operations. The development has reignited debate over regulatory oversight of digital ride services across the Causeway.
New App Option for JB–Singapore Rides
Launched on September 30, 2025, Kummute’s new CB Taxi feature lets travellers book licensed cross-border taxis from anywhere in Malaysia to the Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore. Users can pre-book rides 30 minutes in advance and view upfront, distance-based fares directly on the app. According to Kummute’s head of business, Kenny Hew, about 120 licensed cross-border taxi drivers are registered on the platform, all verified for proper permits.
Regulatory Response from Singapore
The LTA, however, stressed on October 10 that it has not approved any ride-hailing platform for cross-border services. “We are working with Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to clarify Kummute’s business model,” said an LTA spokesperson. The authority reiterated that cross-border taxi services remain under reciprocal arrangements, and any changes must be jointly agreed upon by both governments.
What Is Legal — and What Isn’t
Currently, cross-border taxi services are restricted to licensed operators under a bilateral framework allowing up to 200 taxis per country. Singapore-registered taxis can only pick up or drop off passengers at Larkin Sentral in JB, while Malaysian taxis can only do so at Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore. Approved operators include ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier, which charge between S$60 and S$120 per trip, or RM120 (S$37) from Larkin to Ban San Street.
How Kummute Fits In
Kummute is officially listed by Apad as one of Malaysia’s 32 authorised e-hailing service providers, offering ride-pooling and now licensed cross-border taxi bookings. The company insists it is not operating taxis directly but merely acting as a digital intermediary. “Our role is to make bookings easier. The taxis are fully licensed and permitted,” said Hew. A check by users showed that Singapore-based phone numbers can successfully register accounts and book trips from Malaysia to Singapore, though Singapore-to-Malaysia rides remain under development.
Mixed Reactions Among Travellers
Some commuters have praised the convenience. Sham Mamat, a Singaporean father of two, said a RM199 (S$60) ride from JB’s Mid Valley Southkey mall to Ban San Street saved him the hassle of carrying children through two checkpoints. “The taxi couldn’t take me home, but at least we crossed the Causeway comfortably,” he said. Others, however, have questioned whether Kummute’s operation fully complies with cross-border transport rules.
Authorities Tighten Oversight
Authorities from both countries have increased enforcement against illegal cross-border ride-hailing. Over 100 foreign-registered vehicles have been impounded in Singapore since July. LTA stated in August that there are no plans to liberalise ride-hailing services between Singapore and JB, though it is exploring enhancements to the existing cross-border taxi scheme for greater passenger convenience.
A Step Toward Seamless Mobility
Meanwhile, cross-border travel is set to improve for motorists in other ways. From October 15, motorcyclists entering Johor Bahru from Singapore will be able to use QR code clearance at checkpoints, following its rollout for cars in late September. Johor’s transport committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the system will streamline immigration processing at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Sultan Abu Bakar complexes.
Kummute’s CB Taxi rollout underscores a growing demand for seamless, app-based travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore. Yet, without formal approval from Singapore’s LTA, the service sits in a regulatory gray zone. As authorities seek a balance between innovation and compliance, the outcome could shape the future of cross-border mobility for thousands of daily commuters across the Causeway.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Kummute, Land Transport Authority, Cross Border Taxi, Malaysia Singapore, Licensed Taxis
