Skyman,
"Any financial incentive would probably only be of use if it were to assist in providing a service that was to be supported by the local public in sufficient numbers & at a cost that would make it viable in the medium term. To generate the support the provider needs to provide a frequency and appropriate timing that is consistent & part of a long term growth strategy that is capable of being successfully marketed. Throwing money at a route because the 'manadarins' conclude it is for 'ecconomic benefit' of the region alone is basically money down the toilet."
Well put, totally agree.
"How many routes have started up over the years to the N.E. simply because of EEC subsidies, that have subsequently been withdrawn c.18 months later when the subsidy runs out... "
Too many to name and several more than once.
I think NCL-CPH has started and stopped at least 5 times that I can recall.
GH