We're all familiar with various government agricultural policies over the years that have paid farmers not to farm, with the goal being to reduce the supply of crops like corn and soybeans and thereby support higher commodity farm prices...
Now comes a story from the Associated Press of a new government scheme that might be called "Getting Paid for Not Flying Any Passengers":
On some days, the pilots with Great Lakes Airlines fire up a twin-engine Beechcraft 1900 at the Ely, Nev., airport and depart for Las Vegas without a single passenger on board. And the federal government pays them to do it.
Federal statistics reviewed by The Associated Press show that in 2010, just 227 passengers flew out of Ely while the airline got $1.8 million in subsidies. The travelers paid $70 to $90 for a one-way ticket. The cost to taxpayers for each ticket: $4,107. Ely is one of 153 rural communities where airlines get subsidies through the $200 million Essential Air Service program, and one of 13 that critics say should be eliminated from it."
Maybe we could put Matt Damon and Mark Cuban on a committe to decide where else planes should fly without passengers.
153 rural communities get this boondoggle, and critics only think 13 should be eliminated!?
ReplyDeleteMatt and Mark's destination of choice? Neverneverland, where one doesn't have to grow up, of course.
ReplyDeleteI think I should head that committee and steal from taxpayer chumps (they are both stupid and generous...the ones who can actually find a job) to fly from my backyard to Las Vegas. It is essential.
ReplyDeleteha ha, Robert...quit picking on the Cube (aka the Rich Doofus of Dallas); doesn't everyone just realize that he's an expert on everything?
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