Grab has officially received the first Cross-Border Ride-Hail Service Operator Licence (CRSOL), allowing it to operate app-based cross-border taxi booking services between Singapore and Malaysia. The announcement was made on 30 April 2026, with a pilot service expected to start from 4 May 2026.
A new milestone for the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme
This marks a key regulatory step under the enhanced Cross-Border Taxi Scheme introduced by both Singapore and Malaysia. The licence enables Grab to coordinate licensed taxis through its platform for cross-border trips, making it easier for commuters to book rides between the two countries.
The upcoming pilot service, named Cross-Border SG-JB (Beta), will allow users to book rides between Singapore and selected areas in Johor. These include Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai.
Bookings will be made through the Grab app, with reservations available from 12 hours up to seven days before the trip. The rollout will be gradual as more licensed cross-border taxis are onboarded into the system.
How the cross-border service works
The pilot is designed to improve convenience for passengers travelling frequently between Singapore and Johor, one of the busiest land crossings in the region. Instead of relying on fixed taxi stands or manual arrangements, users can now plan and book trips directly through the app.
During the pilot phase, the service will follow specific operating rules. Licensed taxis will be allowed to drop passengers anywhere within approved areas in Johor, while return trips from Malaysia to Singapore will still require pickups from designated points.
Grab also stated that safety and compliance features will be integrated into the service. This includes in-app safety tools, trip tracking, and insurance coverage aligned with cross-border travel requirements.
Industry context and rollout
The CRSOL licence is part of a joint effort by Singapore and Malaysia to modernise cross-border transport and improve commuter flow. The scheme allows a controlled number of licensed taxis to operate through approved ride-hailing platforms.
Authorities are expected to introduce the service gradually, with strict licensing and operational requirements in place for participating drivers and vehicles. Plus, Grab’s cross-border taxi pilot introduces a more structured way of booking travel between Singapore and Malaysia, especially for regular commuters. The next phase will be important in determining how well the system scales and whether it can meet real travel demand across the border.
Would you use an app-based cross-border taxi service for trips between Malaysia and Singapore?
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