When tourists come to Columbus to see the many unique and historical sites the city offers, they can leave the driving to the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Recently, the CVB purchased a double-decker bus to be used for Pilgrimage, the Fall Tour of Homes and other events, said CVB Executive Director and CEO James Tsismanakis.
“Originally, we looked at buying a trolley for the city, and it did not work out for us,” he said.
The idea to get a double-decker bus for the CVB came when board Chairman Dewitt Hicks visited Oxford and rode on the city”s bus.
“Dewitt said he rode on the top part of the bus, and really enjoyed it. He came back and told us about the bus and how it has been an asset to Oxford and asked how would we like a double-decker bus,” Tsismanakis said.
Tsismanakis contacted a company in England that manufactures the double-decker buses, and also talked with officials with the city of Oxford.
“Oxford has two, and they are both owned by the city. We (CVB) own ours,” Tsismanakis said.
The bus was shipped to Brunswick, Ga., where CVB officials went to pick it up.
“We asked what the top speed was the bus would go, and they said 60. We didn”t realize they meant 60 kilometers, which equals to 35 miles. So it took more than a day to get it to Columbus,” he said.
Waters Truck and Tractor is servicing the bus, and it is being housed at a city garage.
Tsismanakis said Cable One, AT&T, as well as the city and county have been helpful in raising cable and telephone lines and trimming trees in order for the bus to travel around the area.
“We have completed tree trimming on the south side, we still have some work to complete on the north side. We do appreciate the efforts of Cable One and AT&T,” Tsismanakis said.
The bus has been painted red, seat belts have been installed on the top seats, and a new compact disc player and microphone were installed. Video cameras are also scheduled to be installed. In all, the bus seats 72 people.
The bus made its official debut at the Columbus Christmas parade as CVB, city and county officials rode on it. The bus was also on display at the CVB”s recent Christmas function.
It was parked in front of the Stephen D. Lee home.
“Many people who saw it are really enthused about it,” Tsismanakis said.
He said the bus will be used the day after Christmas, for a tour of Columbus.
“We will charge $5 per person. Since it is the day after Christmas, people will want to get out. We will conduct a tour of historic south side and other places in Columbus, and it will last an hour and a half. (Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation Director) Nancy Carpenter will be the tour guide,” Tsismanakis said.
One of the reasons for purchasing the bus, he said, was that it would bring some “pizzazz” to Columbus.
“It is painted red, and is a true right-side driven English double-decker bus made by Leyland-Olympian,” Tsismanakis said.
The CVB plans to use the bus during the annual spring Pilgrimage, a celebration of the city”s rich history. The Columbus Pilgrimage consists of a two-week celebration, which highlights Columbus” pre-Civil War past with home tours complete with hosts and actors in period costume, musical and dramatic performances, carriage rides and more.
“It has the capability of providing a shuttle service taking tourists from house to house. We also want to use it during Tennessee Williams tribute week,” Tsismanakis said.
The Tennessee Williams Tribute and Tour of Victorian Homes offers theatrical presentations, movies, lectures, tours, exhibits and more each fall, honoring the playwright and his ties to Columbus, Williams” birthplace.
Tsismanakis added two drivers employed with Waters to handle driving the bus, which will also be available to rent for weddings and other events.
“This is something that will be good for all of Columbus,” Tsismanakis said.
Allen Baswell was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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