Originally Posted by
gloopy
The "tri base" in NYC is abject fantasy. Its unrealistic, for locals or commuters alike, to expect to cover that much logistical real estate. You can only live/crashpad/hotel in one place and no matter where you pick the "tri base" is completely unrealistic.
The cost for cabs, or more realistically for an increased capacity shuttle system (perhaps with the occasional cab to cover rare peak overflows) is so low it wouldn't move the needle and would increase reliability and operational integrity.
Base specific COLA on the other hand is a treacherous can of worms that is absolutely unworkable.
Neither is a commuter vs local issue either. Not to mention most "locals" are still commuters.
Years ago we made numerous complaints about the requirements to get to EWR. The company agreed to quit building rotations out of EWR. This was followed almost immediately by massive complaints from pilots who wanted the EWR trips back. It's kind of like CDO's. You have a group of pilots who wanted them and when they made a appearance a big group wanted them killed. Pleasing pilots is probably harder then sending a manned mission to Mars!