DRIVERS planning on flying out of a popular airport are being forced to leave earlier thanks to a new drop-off rule.
The commute change will see thousands of flyers tacking on essential time to already-tense trips.
Thousands of flyers should prepare for longer commutes after a major airport swapped up its drop off rules[/caption]
As of Tuesday, the Nashville International Airport in Tennessee has started to redirect rideshares like Uber and Lyft.
Now, drivers using the service will have to drop off and pick up in the same location, potentially creating time sucking traffic jams.
Travelers have been warned to leave at least 10 minutes earlier than they normally would if they’re using the apps.
Abdul Helmandai, who drives for Uber and is part of the Tennessee Driver Union, said the change is grim news for travelers.
“They are making a decision without discussing it with the drivers,” he told ABC affiliate WKRN.
“The drivers are the backbone […] If there is no driver, then I can bet there would be no airport.”
Helmandai fears the drop off changes will negatively affect both drivers and passengers.
He was shocked that airport officials made the move as there was already bottlenecked traffic at the drop offs.
The Uber driver worries that it could take more than an hour to pick up just one passenger.
Airport officials believed the move would reduce congestion, but Helmandai said travelers should expect serious delays.
He said that Uber and Lyft customers might be opting for taxis that are waiting at the drop off instead of calling cars.
“If you take a rideshare, definitely it will take 30 minutes, an hour for every driver to get there,” he told the outlet.
Melanie, a Nashville resident, also fears that the delays will most affect flyers with mobility issues.
She told the outlet that passengers will have to walk further since they’re all being dropped off at Ground Transportation Center.
Uber’s new features
Uber has introduced several new features ahead of the busy holiday season. They include:
- UberXXL – vehicles with larger trunk space that the company insists are perfect for trips to the airport
- UberX Share at airports – so you can pay a lower fare en route to your destination
- New Uber Reserve features – to let rideshare customers schedule airport rides in advance
- Updates to the Uber Shuttle at LaGuardia Airport – which allows people to grab a shared ride from Manhattan to the airport
- Home Screen Widget for iPhone – to request a ride right from your phone’s home screen
AIRPORT RESPONDS
In a statement, BNA stressed that the path from the Ground Transportation Center is accessible for all passengers, including disabled flyers.
But they added that anyone taking rideshares who may need extra assistance can check for “alternative drop-off options that may better suit their accessibility needs.”
“The comfort and well-being of all our passengers are important to us, and we remain committed to ensuring every passenger feels safe, supported, and welcome at BNA,” the airport said.
With the new measures in place, Helmandai pleaded for customers to be flexible as they adjust to the drop off drama.
“I ask you just to keep patience,” said the driver.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to BNA for further comment.
The chance comes as seven other US airports have hiked parking fees this year.
Rideshares must use the same area for pick up and drop off under the new rules[/caption]
