It is true that in todays growing demand for more economical strives in aviation (Plain speak cutting costs!) the turbo-prop is under a renewed interest specificaly due to the facts mentioned above.
When you compare your typical Modern turbo-prop ATR42/72 over the new Emb145's etc there is very little difference in time sub 200nm but a huge diffrence in cost.
It is true that a new ATR72 is no cheap Aircraft to buy but it sure is to fly! ATR has orders for over 70 new TP's this year with Bombardier over 50 TP's.
Is this the end of the regional jets?
(Now I,ve done it)