Airport drop-off changes raise access, expense concerns

CLEVELAND >> The Cleveland airport is now restricting passenger dropoffs in front of the terminal as traffic and congestion have increased — likely to the displeasure of travelers, according to transportation companies.

Changes at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport take effect this week. Private car services and ride-share drivers will no longer be able to drop their passengers off on the upper, ticketing level of the terminal, at departing airlines’ doors with the changes.

The Plain Dealer reported drop-offs will happen instead at one end of the lower, baggage-claim level.

The airport explained the change, saying roads in front of the terminal now sometimes back up onto a nearby state route.

At the same time these rules are going into effect, the airport is also increasing fees it charges transportation companies to pick up and drop off travelers. Taxis and ride-share drivers already pay the $4 per trip fee.

Alexander Jagodik, who owns Cleveland Taxi Limo, said his clients will be paying more for less service. “We will for sure lose business because of this,” he said.

Michele Dynia, a spokeswoman for the airport, said the new fees will equalize what different transportation companies pay for drop-off privileges. The new revenue will fund airport improvements without increasing already-high airline fees, according to airport officials.

Jagodik said that while he’s not happy about the fee increase, he’s more upset about the changes in drop-off and pick-up locations.

The fee increase is expected to raise about $1.8 million a year, which will be used to pay for improvements to the Ground Transportation Center.