In the news
Dec. 13th, 2002 09:27 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
windelinaThe Boston archbishop (you know the one - the guy who kept moving sex offenders to new dioceses) has finally resigned. That took a little too long in my opinion.
Northwest Airlines is suing the Metropolitan Airport Commission. They want the MAC to increase fees at the smaller airports. (What they *say* they want is a reduction in the subsidies the MAC gives to smaller airports. The subsidies being paid out of fees that NWA, among others, pays the MAC. So, if the MAC lowered the subsidies and raised the fees, the fees that NWA would pay would be smaller. They say.)
I think what they really want is to shut down other flying options. Especially considering that the smaller airports are there for chartered planes, i.e. executives and money. And NWA - and all the other airlines - have shown that their business models are entirely based on business travellers.
I think this comes from the heydey of the 90's, when money was everywhere and executives were extravagant and thought nothing of paying three times more for a business class seat.
But businesses aren't doing that anymore, and lo and behold - the airlines are suffering. Meanwhile, coach service has reached new lows, while coach fares go ever higher. Hm - I think the airlines need a paradigm shift.
The Bush administration has approved an increase in fuel-economy standards for SUVs. The Transportation Department will require fuel economy for SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans to increase by about 1.5 miles per gallon over three years. This requirement goes into effect in 2005.
Well, that's just an embarrassment of riches there, now ain't it? 1.5 miles per gallon, spread out over three years. Let's all do our best to make sure there are hybrids, hydrogen and electric cars everywhere by then, shall we?
On the bus this morning, a woman handed her toddler a pacifier. And this little girl (about 3), said "thank you" to her mommy. It was adorable, and gave me hope for the world.
Northwest Airlines is suing the Metropolitan Airport Commission. They want the MAC to increase fees at the smaller airports. (What they *say* they want is a reduction in the subsidies the MAC gives to smaller airports. The subsidies being paid out of fees that NWA, among others, pays the MAC. So, if the MAC lowered the subsidies and raised the fees, the fees that NWA would pay would be smaller. They say.)
I think what they really want is to shut down other flying options. Especially considering that the smaller airports are there for chartered planes, i.e. executives and money. And NWA - and all the other airlines - have shown that their business models are entirely based on business travellers.
I think this comes from the heydey of the 90's, when money was everywhere and executives were extravagant and thought nothing of paying three times more for a business class seat.
But businesses aren't doing that anymore, and lo and behold - the airlines are suffering. Meanwhile, coach service has reached new lows, while coach fares go ever higher. Hm - I think the airlines need a paradigm shift.
The Bush administration has approved an increase in fuel-economy standards for SUVs. The Transportation Department will require fuel economy for SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans to increase by about 1.5 miles per gallon over three years. This requirement goes into effect in 2005.
Well, that's just an embarrassment of riches there, now ain't it? 1.5 miles per gallon, spread out over three years. Let's all do our best to make sure there are hybrids, hydrogen and electric cars everywhere by then, shall we?
On the bus this morning, a woman handed her toddler a pacifier. And this little girl (about 3), said "thank you" to her mommy. It was adorable, and gave me hope for the world.
