Head To Larkin Sentral

by Chuah Bee Kim and Mary Victoria Dass

JOHOR BARU: THE public can now take a taxi from Johor Baru to Singapore at Larkin Sentral transport hub, which now has a new taxi waiting area.

The terminal, which was recently upgraded, saw the re-location of operators who were formerly at the Kotaraya 2 bus and taxi stands, here.

Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd head of corporate communications Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Hasnan said that the refurbished Larkin Sentral was now a transit point for taxis and buses.

“The bus stop is poised to receive more than 60,000 local and foreign tourists.

“To make it more convenient to the public, a taxi waiting area was incorporated into the plans,” he said, adding that the waiting area had seats and offices for operators, and was built at the cost of RM1 million. It was opened on Nov 1.

Ungku Abdul Aziz said the existing taxi stand in Jalan Garuda 2 was still operating.

“The old taxi stand is part of the car park of the transport building, so taxi drivers can still pick up and drop off passengers in this part of Larkin,” he said.

Ungku Abdul Aziz said the construction of the taxi stand and offices started last June and was completed last month.

This was about the same time the refurbishment works started at the terminal itself.

“The new taxi wing has been well-received by the public.”

“There are about 50 taxis plying the Johor Baru-Singapore route and 80 budget and executive taxis which offer rides around Johor Baru stationed here.

He said the facility houses the offices of Johor Baru-Singapore taxi companies and taxi cooperatives.

“The facilities are convenient for those who want to travel long distance as both long and short-distance taxi operators are stationed under one roof here.”

“We want to make it convenient for the public and reduce traffic congestion.

“These features will improve the image of the terminal.”

Abrizah Abu Bakar, 50, a trader, said she liked the new terminal.

“It is not congested like the old terminal at Kotaraya 2, and it is easy to get taxis as the queue is systematic,” Abrizah said.

Zainureeza Zainudin, 31, who takes taxis frequently said the terminal was impressive.

“I used to wait for taxis at the market. Now they are here, it is more convenient, and there are seats for those waiting their turn,” she said.

Md Azman Yusof, a taxi driver for 13 years, said the terminal made it easier for taxi drivers to pick up passengers.

“Take for example the Komtar Johor Baru City Centre mall in the heart of the city — when we pick up passengers, we have to look out for the traffic police.

“If there is one in sight, we do not dare to stop for passengers as there is no taxi stand at the shopping mall,” he added.