Originally Posted by
KRviator
Maybe not, but if a commercial entity can't make a go of things, and the Government already provides a transport solution to those regional centres, why should taxpayers foot the bill to double-up just because someone wants a faster trip to the big smoke? There's very few medical reasons where speed is of the essence, it's personal preference to get to and from the appointment as quickly as possible.
A commercial entity can and was making a go of things, profitably too, up until a few years ago. Rex even paid dividends on their shares a few years back well before the whole 737 malarkey and a few other decisions.
It’s pretty patronising to say “oh yeah people just want to get to appointments a bit quicker”, if something is very time critical they’ll go via the RFDS anyway - they wont wait 36 hours to then spend another 14 on a bus or overnight train, if there even is a train. A lot of places Rex flies dont have train or bus services at all, which is why Queensland has the government subsidised regulated air routes.