FPPF
Agree with what you say, but doesn't it go further with the public transport, or lack of. The companies that bought into the public transport were basically guaranteed a profit by govt subsidies yet deliver, in general a poor service, unless you live in a large metropolitan area. This goes for Rail Track and all the Train operators as well, they are basically on govt contracts charging high fares and collecting subsidies to pay their shareholders dividens. I'll get to aviation shortly. Public transport is a necessity to a large extent, the country couldn't run if there wasn't an affordable mass transportation system.
Is Aviation a necessity or is it a Luxury? If it is a necessity then the govt is, in my humble opinion, duty bound to keep it available at a reasonable cost to the travelling public. If it is a luxury (eg concorde/holiday flights etc) then it is not.
If the govt were to subsidise airlines then they would have to be careful how they do it. Any subsidy should be to ensure the continuity of service and the continuity of employment, and should NOT go to ensuring an airline makes a profit.
What I hate seeing is private companies making profits from tax payers and providing a less than satisfactory service, so good on Mr Byers for dealing it to Rail Track.
[ 11 November 2001: Message edited by: Stagnation Point ]