Watching the troubles of US Airways and other so-called legacy companies as they struggle to survive, there appear to be similarities that can be drawn to Pittsburgh, Butler and other financially challenged cities.

US Airways, United and Delta are either in or not far from bankruptcy. Each of these companies is trying to adjust to tough competition from new, low-cost competitors that have lower operating costs due to greater efficiency, less-generous benefit packages and fewer, if any, retirees to provide with benefits.

Despite record numbers of passengers flying, the older airline companies are having to make wrenching changes to their pay and fringe benefit packages in order to become cost-competitive with the leaner start-up airlines. They have to make these changes or they will not survive and many of the jobs they now provide will disappear.

Similar struggles are facing what might be called "legacy cities," such as Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland - and even Butler.

Nearly two decades of economic stagnation, coupled with population losses, an exodus of businesses and ever-rising expenses related to public safety and other employee contracts have all contributed to pushing these and other cities to the brink of bankruptcy. And as with the airlines, the legacy cities now have their backs against the wall.

The long-term answer is economic growth, but until that comes, the legacy cities have to scrutinize every expense in their budgets. They have to examine staffing levels and increase efficiencies in all departments. Protecting certain sacred cows can no longer be afforded.

In some cases, legacy cities will have to re-structure to match their new, lower populations, much like some struggling airlines have downsized to lower their fixed costs and reflect reduced market share.

The adjustments are not easy, or pleasant. In the case of US Airways, the changes have been painful for thousands of people in Western Pennsylvania.

Without stretching the comparison too far, it could be said the legacy airlines like US Airways and United are struggling to adapt to an erosion of their customer base to low-cost carriers, while legacy cities such as Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Butler are struggling to adapt to the realities of residents moving out of the urban areas to low-cost, low-tax suburbia.

Legacy airlines are struggling to reduce costs while at the same time trying to attract and retain customers. Likewise, legacy cities must work to attract and retain residents and businesses, while also cutting expenditures to become more cost- efficient in providing services.

The challenges cannot be overstated:

n Pittsburgh officials announced this week that premium pay and overtime for firefighters will push department expenses $12 million over budget.

n Erie County, N.Y., home to Buffalo, a massive layoff of 2,000 government workers is looming.

n Butler narrowly escaped a massive deficit and possible bankruptcy with the passage of a $21 hike in the former Occupational Privilege Tax, now called the Emergency Municipal Services Tax.

There will be no easy fixes to the problems faced by either legacy airlines or legacy cities. Costs must be reduced, but prosperity will also require improved service and customer (resident) retention.

- J.L.W.III