th those of large-community airports.
             The overall trend toward lower fares since deregulation is largely due to increased competition, caused in many cases by the entry of new airlines. The average number of large airlines serving the medium-sized-community airports, for example, increased by over 50% between 1978 and 1994, while the average number of commuter carriers serving these airports increased by about 40%. Low-cost airlines, such as America West and Southwest Airlines have accounted for much of this new entry, resulting in substantially lower fares at airports in the West and Southwest, regardless of the size of the community served.
             In addition, the established airlines' transition to hub-and-spoke systems following deregulation has increased competition at many airports serving small- and medium-sized communities. By bringing passengers from multiple origins (the spokes) to a common point (the hub) and placing them on new flights to their ultimate destinations, these systems provide for more frequent flights and more tra
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