Councilmember Moves to Quiet Tour Bus PA Systems

Councilmember Tom LaBonge introduced a motion on Tuesday to launch an investigation into the City's ability to restrict tour buses use of open-air public address systems in residential areas. The alternative, according to the Councilmember, could be to direct tour buses to use a headset system much like those being mandated in other tour-heavy cities, such as New York.
“I’m a supporter of the tourism industry of Los Angeles,” Councilmember LaBonge said. “I want to do everything possible to make sure a Los Angeles tour is a great experience for all who visit our city. I also want to lessen the impact of those tours on the neighborhoods. This modest change will address the issues brought to me by residents in high-tour areas.”
City offices have received numerous complaints about the sometimes blaring noise from tour bus megaphones and PA systems. Tour buses roaming through Hollywood neighborhoods often stop for photographs and commentary in front of noteworthy homes. A Hollywood resident whose house was the filming location for a popular 1970s horror film charges the chatter she hears from tour buses are usually accompanied by the movie's theme music. Some residents have counted as many as 100 stops per day in front of their homes.
New York City Mayor Bloomberg signed a tour bus ordinance in May to address similar challenges to the residents of New York—some of whom reportedly wear ear plugs. Tour buses will phase in headphones in July 2011 and all tour buses must be in compliance by July 2015.
For more information on this motion or to track its progress, click here.