Here’s What Happened To The Double-Decker Tour Buses Downtown

April 13, 2024
Residents and visitors of San Antonio might have noticed something missing from the city’s bustling streets: the trademark red double-decker tour buses. Once a prominent sight downtown, these popular tourist conveyances have suddenly disappeared.

End of an Era

According to local sources, City Sightseeing of San Antonio, the long-standing operator of the red double-decker buses, ended operations in early January. The company, founded in 2010 by David Strainge, was a franchise of the well-known international tour bus operator based in Seville, Spain.

After the closure of City Sightseeing, Strainge reportedly embarked on other business opportunities, leaving the niche for city tours wide open.

Old Town Trolley Tours

San Antonio’s salvaged public transportation profile is now in the hands of Historic Tours of America, who introduced Old Town Trolley Tours to replace the function of the defunct double-deckers.

“The timing could not have been more perfect. We have been looking to expand and the opportunity presented itself in this amazing city,” commented Historic Tours of America’s CEO, Chris Belland.

The Reimagined City Tour

Keeping the spirit of city touring alive, the Old Town Trolley Tours operates vibrant orange and green-styled buses, offering guests an engaging 90-minute narrated tour, complete with 14 stops sprinkled throughout downtown San Antonio.

In lieu of the closed City Sightseeing, this replacement will take tourists and locals alike on a 12-mile scenic ride, encompassing hotspots such as the Alamo Plaza, Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum, Botanical Gardens, and much more.

“San Antonio is a city with incredible history, attractions, sites, and fabulous people which is what we look for when going into a city,” added Belland.

Exciting Offers for Locals

Old Town Trolley Tours also offers a ‘Hometown Pass’ to Bexar County residents, granting free access when bringing an adult paying guest, according to their media announcements. Additionally, the tour operator currently runs tours in other cities including Key West, Boston, Washington, Savannah, St. Augustine, San Diego, and Nashville.

While the red double-decker buses will be missed, it is evident that historical city tours in San Antonio are far from over. The exciting new developments in public transportation have us looking forward to a thriving and colorful downtown scene once again.

About the Writer

Spencer Heath is a Digital Journalist based in San Antonio who has been covering local happenings since June 2022. Outside of his journalism, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with his family.