Already providing service in London, Paris, Berlin, San Francisco, New York and Seville, City Sightseeing New Orleans introduced the double-decker bus with a tour of downtown with Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other city officials, The Associated Press reported.
"The buses will offer a new convenient, entertaining and informative way to experience the city with a hop-on and hop-off model that allows visitors to tour sites at their own pace," said Emily Valentino, general manager of the company.
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the National World War II Museum, Harrah's Casino, Mardi Gras World, the Superdome and Basin Street Station are among the stops. The bus tour will be narrated live in English, but recordings in other languages are available as well.
Michael Valentino, co-owner of the franchise, said it is going to be an experience unlike anything else offered in New Orleans.
One-day passes for the tour buses are $40 for adults and $30 for children. Discounts on package options to some attractions are offered. Buses and streetcars, operated by the Regional Transit Authority, offer day passes for $3 a person.
Read AP's news story here.