NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Starting Tuesday, rideshare users heading to the Nashville International Airport should plan to leave at least 10 minutes earlier.

BNA now requires rideshare drivers to drop off and pick up in the same location — at the Ground Transportation Center.

Abdul Helmandai has driven for Uber Black in Nashville for three years and is a member of the Tennessee Driver Union.

"They are making a decision without discussing it with the drivers," Helmandai told News 2. "I mean, the drivers are the backbone; they are the real ones. If there is no driver, then I can bet there would be no airport."

Helmandai told News 2 that the airport's new policy will slow things down for both drivers and riders. Even before the policy change, Helmandai explained that drivers were already seeing pickup cancellations due to traffic.

"It will take more than an hour to pick up one customer just because drop off and pick up point same place," Helmandai said.

Airport officials said the move is part of a long-term plan to reduce congestion and support the airport's growth, but Helmandai told News 2 the change would devastate the rideshare business as people move toward more convenient modes of transportation.

"The taxi will become more convenient. You just walk out, 'Taxi!' get in and go," Helmandai said. "But if you take a rideshare, definitely it will take 30 minutes, an hour for every driver to get there."

The change also raises concerns for travelers with mobility issues or young children.

"This place is huge as it is, and to have to make a passenger have to walk that much farther is ridiculous," Nashville resident Melanie said. "...[For] anyone that has to take a wheelchair on a regular basis, this is going to be totally inconvenient," she added.

BNA representatives said the walk from the Ground Transportation Center to TSA is under 10 minutes.

"You are just going to add more traffic, more delays, and more problems — and that's one thing Nashville does not need," Melanie said.

Helmandai's plea to BNA: "Don't treat us like we are nobody." To customers: "I ask you just to keep patience."

"We deeply value all of our passengers, and ensuring that Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) remains accessible to everyone — is one of our highest priorities. While the walking path from the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) to the Grand Lobby is ADA-compliant and designed to accommodate passengers with mobility needs, as are all our areas at BNA, we understand that every travel experience is unique. Those who require additional support are encouraged to check their rideshare app for alternative drop-off options that may better suit their accessibility needs once the reconfiguration goes into effect on June 3. 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."

Statement from BNA

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/new-bna-rideshare-rules-spark-backlash/