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Post by wrcousert on Aug 7, 2008 21:03:19 GMT -8
Why not commuter air service from Murrieta to Irvine? The flight time would probably be minutes.
Could such a service be provided at prices the average commuter would be willing to pay?
Could this work at least until Metrolink reaches Temecula?
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Post by nickv on Aug 7, 2008 22:57:40 GMT -8
We have to take into account expensive jet fuel and paying for a pilot and a flight attendant for each plane in service. A pilot's salary can drift into the six-figure mark. In contrast a Metro bus driver can earn $22.12 per hour tops which is about $46,000.00 per year before taxes. Also, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary in 2007 for locomotive engineers was $63,180.
The fares would have to be high enough to at least pay for the service and I think we're going into the triple figure mark for a one-way trip. If the fare is too high, then nobody would use it. For example, United Airlines quoted $671 for a short trip, round trip flight between LAX and San Diego Airport! Same fare for American Airlines. Delta and Southwest Airlines do not offer this short trip.
Another problem is getting past airport security when returning from Irvine. On a Friday before a 3 day weekend, count on being at the airport 2 hours before flight time.
Good idea at first thought, but I don't think it would work.
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