# Singapore and Malaysia Expand Cross-Border Taxi Quotas and Operators New operators and increased vehicle limits aim to enhance regional transport connectivity. - **Source:** [The Independent SG](https://theindependent.sg) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/15f23864-a4c1-4110-964a-c521454f4cc1 ## Expanded Cross-Border Quotas Singapore and Malaysia are increasing their cross-border taxi quotas to 500 vehicles each, effective November 16. This expansion raises the total combined capacity from 600 to 1,000 licensed taxis. The joint announcement by both transport ministries aims to strengthen regional transport links and provide travellers with more flexible point-to-point journey options. ## New Licensed Operators The Cross-Border Taxi Scheme will now include two additional ride-hailing operators alongside GrabCar. Singapore-based CDG Zig and Malaysia’s Kumpool have been granted licenses to facilitate these international trips. Michael Huang of CDG Zig stated the company is collaborating with authorities to ensure that these new services remain both safe and reliable. ## Enhanced Drop-off Flexibility Recent policy changes allow for more flexible drop-off arrangements for passengers crossing the border. While previous rules restricted drivers to a single designated point, taxis can now drop passengers anywhere in Singapore. In Malaysia, drop-offs are permitted across Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai, improving overall travel convenience. ## Persistent Pick-up Restrictions Despite the increased flexibility for drop-offs, pick-up arrangements remain strictly regulated. Drivers are still required to collect passengers only at designated locations within the neighboring country. This specific limitation ensures that the cross-border service remains controlled while still offering commuters significantly more options for their arrival points than were previously available. ## Driver Association Concerns The National Taxi Association has expressed apprehension regarding the impact of these changes on local drivers. Executive secretary Teo Siew Pan noted that members are worried about potential declines in job opportunities and overall earnings. The association is actively seeking a balanced approach that considers both passenger demand and driver livelihoods. ## Phased Implementation Requests To mitigate negative impacts on the workforce, the National Taxi Association has requested that the Land Transport Authority issue additional licenses in phases. This strategy is intended to prevent market saturation while allowing the industry to adapt to the increased competition. They also suggested reviewing current pick-up arrangements to better support drivers. ## Historical Quota Progression The expansion follows a series of incremental increases in the cross-border taxi quota. The limit was previously raised from 200 to 300 vehicles in May of this year. This latest jump to 500 vehicles represents a significant acceleration in the bilateral effort to normalize and expand transport connectivity between the two nations. ## Balancing Growth and Livelihoods While the expansion of booking platforms and vehicle numbers offers clear benefits for passenger mobility, the long-term success of the scheme depends on economic sustainability for drivers. Future policy adjustments will likely need to weigh the convenience of commuters against the financial stability of the taxi operators serving these vital international routes. ## Sources covering this story - https://theindependent.sg/singapore-malaysia-to-raise-cross-border-taxi-quota-to-500-each-and-add-two-ride-hailing-operators — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._