sprxUSA wrote:No, bus connections will not become a thing. If they were, they already would have become a thing on a grander scale.
If I am in Jackson or nearby and traveling anywhere, I am not going to go to the airport, bus to an airport, then go thru their security and end up at my destination. May as well drive myself on my schedule and leisure, maskless, to the big airport. A lot of the draw, for me, would be the ease of security clearance at MKL over any of the proposed locations. I know some EAS locations don't have security, so some are out.
Additionally, plan on a 60 pax bus and hope for the best, or an 18 pax bus and see what happens? I bet many trips could be run with a car LOL.
If this does happen to wildly take off, I can't wait for the bus from McCook to Denver....
This has been done in the past, and is being done now. You may personally prefer to spend your money driving, wear and tear on your vehicle, and inflated on or near airport parking costs for the duration of your trip. Oh, and ensure you're there two hours prior to navigate the SSCP unless you've dipped in to your pocket for TSA PreCheck.
I'd cite CO operating AVP and ABE to/from EWR in a secure manner as one reference. It operated for nearly 15 years (if not longer).
In today's world, look at what Landline is doing with both SY in MSP and UA in DEN.
Extending this a tad further, AA and UA had remote check-in in London for the Heathrow Express. Unfortunately 9/11 squashed that.
So - this concept is a "thing". Is it broad in scope? No. Does it work in strategic and unique applications, absolutely. TSA is now finally in a place where they are being dragged kicking and screaming in to being a bit more flexible in thinking about how and where to screen. Look at the private terminal operation at LAX (P/S). Five years ago that would have been a resounding hell no from Washington. Now? Staffed with TSA (and CBP for inbound international arrivals).
Transportation networks are just that - networks. They are often strongest with various modes working in tight, integrated harmony with each other. The crucial key for the bus operators, as JA I hope knows and understands, is that you have a far steeper acceptance curve with an airport bus to airport solution. It's got to operate crisply on time, with immaculate equipment, highly service oriented staff, well identified locations and wayfinding and a deeply integrated experience at the big airport. Gaps in any piece of those will risk the franchise. In many ways no different than the EAS operators face when rebid time comes. I like the out of the box thinking.
And no, I'm not in any way affiliate with the bus bid. Although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.