LTA impounds more vehicles in crackdown on illegal cross-border ride-hailing services

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has impounded nine additional foreign-registered vehicles involved in illegal cross-border and ride-hailing services. These enforcement actions were carried out over the past three weeks, culminating in arrests at key locations including Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints.

This development brings the total number of foreign vehicles impounded since July 2025 to 126, according to LTA. The operations are part of a continued crackdown on unauthorised point-to-point services that breach transport laws and pose safety concerns.

In a Facebook post on 4 November, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling highlighted the risks posed by such services. She noted that the drivers did not carry the required insurance coverage, potentially endangering passengers. She urged commuters to use only legal and licensed transport services for cross-border travel.

Of the nine individuals recently apprehended, five were caught during enforcement operations at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints on 4 November. The remaining four were nabbed in separate operations conducted across Singapore in the preceding three weeks.

In a concurrent statement, LTA confirmed that enforcement was conducted in areas such as North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. The operations were launched following tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and the National Taxi Association. LTA reiterated its aim to safeguard commuter safety and uphold the interests of legally operating drivers.

Authorities across the Causeway are also escalating their response to illegal services. On 17 October, the Johor Road Transport Department reported the detention of a Singapore-registered vehicle allegedly involved in providing unauthorised transport in Johor.

Despite ongoing concerns, LTA maintains its position against the full liberalisation of cross-border ride-hailing services. In August, it stated that there are currently no plans to allow such services freely between Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB).

While open to improving cross-border commuting, LTA has clarified that it intends to enhance existing legal frameworks instead of expanding unregulated services.

At present, the cross-border taxi scheme allows for a limited number of authorised operators — up to 200 licensed taxis from each side — to conduct passenger transport between Singapore and JB.

These licensed taxis are restricted to designated pickup and drop-off points. For Singapore-licensed taxis, the only permitted point in JB is Larkin Sentral. Conversely, Malaysian-licensed taxis are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore.

Approved cross-border taxi operators include ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier. These services provide a regulated and insured option for commuters needing point-to-point travel between the two cities.

Individuals found guilty of providing illegal ride-hailing services face penalties under Singaporean law. Convicted offenders may be sentenced to a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$3,000, or both. In addition, the vehicles used in the offence may be forfeited.