French Quarter Plans to Eject Tour Buses
New Orleans’ tourist-heavy French Quarter is about to eject the big tour buses that have long been part of the local scene. A new city ordinance bars tour buses longer than 31 feet--i.e., buses that typically hold 47 or 54 passengers--from parking there.
After public hearings, the ban is expected to take effect in mid-October. The city’s stated reason is “to protect the integrity of the French Quarter.” Owners of historic buildings have complained about vibrations that can damage fragile structures. Residents and some merchants have complained about noise, pollution and buses blocking intersections.
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