SINGAPORE/JOHOR BAHRU – Allowing cross-border taxis from both sides to drop passengers anywhere in their destination countries is a step towards making the scheme more attractive, said drivers and passengers.

The promise of more convenience will hopefully redirect the demand towards these services, which have been undercut by illegal operators, said drivers from Singapore and Malaysia who described waiting for long hours for a fare.

But the proposed changes could still fall short of the door-to-door services that consumers increasingly want, said observers, cabbies and passengers.

They also cited longstanding concerns about Causeway congestion and price imbalances, contributing to the issues the scheme has faced over the years.

The reactions come on the back of a joint announcement by Singapore and Malaysia on Dec 5 that both countries would increase the quota for cross-border taxis from 200 each now to 500, and allow taxis from either side to drop passengers off anywhere in their destination country.

Currently, taxis can only do so if they are registered in the destination country. Otherwise, they have to drop off at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru or Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore.

Some passengers like Singaporean Pah Yew Heng, 40, welcomed the move, saying that with flexibility in drop-off points, he is now more inclined to book cross-border taxi rides if he is unable to secure train tickets into Johor Bahru.

The private-hire driver will however still take the train if possible, citing the high cost of taxi rides and heavy congestion on the Causeway.

At Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru, Malaysians told ST that the move will rule out the need to take a second trip from the designated drop-off point, which creates hassle and confusion.

Taxi driver Balakumaran Kalipan, 45, said while many passengers choose to wait for others to split the cost of a trip to Ban San, the price is not the problem.

The limited route is.