Originally Posted by
98103
That doesn't mean that the program shouldn't be revisited. MWH and CLM haven't died because they don't have service. I daresay a lot of things have changed since 1978. Some of these communities can't support air service even with EAS subsidies. Perhaps its time to revisit what the standards are for receiving EAS subsidies. "Did they have service in 1978?" may not be the best use of public resources.
It's a good point. In the case of Pendleton it is less than a 1 hour interstate drive to Pasco. But as we have seen recently, places like Klamath Falls and North Bend also lost service because the Q400 was too big and there are very few operators out there that can profitably fly 30-37 seat planes. The 19 seat market is even more grim when it comes to operators that can profitably fly that class of plane. I think what the state of OR did to support the K Falls and North Bend service may have to become more of the norm such that service is flown with quality planes and not 9 passenger planes. While I personally don't advocate subsidies, the regional industry is changing and the trend is not good for small communities. Something will have to change or we could all be driving a lot farther to get on a plane.