July 9, 2009 -- This week, Starline Tours opened the latest loop in its network of CitySightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off Double Decker Bus routes – the Santa Monica Route.
Visitors are now able to “hop on and off” the open-top double-decker buses at any of the 16 stops along the new Santa Monica route, allowing them to discover the many pleasures of the legendary beachside community on their own time. With the addition of the Santa Monica route, Starline Tours now is able to connect all three of its Hop-on, Hop-off routes – the Santa Monica Route, Downtown and Hollywood.
“The double-decker buses winding their way through our city (give) visitors a dynamic taste of our special lifestyle, what with sunshine and the beaches,” said Misti Kerns, president and CEO of Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The open air style of Starline’s buses speaks to the brand of Santa Monica.”
The London-style double-decker buses run every hour during the day, and connect with Starline CitySightseeing’s existing hop-on, hop-off routes in Hollywood and in Downtown LA giving people an affordable, informative and fun way to arrive from Hollywood and Downtown LA to spend time in Santa Monica. Conversely, it gives Santa Monica visitors a convenient way to connect with other LA attractions in Hollywood and Downtown.
Hop-on, hop-off buses are one of the most popular ways for tourists to discover cities, and StarLine is part of the Citysightseeing Franchise that includes similar tours in places such as London, Paris and Sydney. Locals and tourists alike use these services, since there is nothing quite like seeing the city from the unique perspective of the top of a double-decker bus.
Tourists also find these services useful since it means that they do not have to bother with trying to find out how to get to places – it is all done for them. Locals love it as a way to rediscover their own city, and as a great way to show off their community and Los Angeles to their visiting friends and family.
“The idea that tourists can see our city without the need for more cars on the road, is a real plus," Kerns said. "Other Santa Monica tour companies such as Amazing LA Tours and Los Angeles Sightseeing Tours also understand the fact that tourists need some guidance as to what to see and do, how to manage their travel time, as well as how to navigate through unknown roads, all while enjoying an air-conditioned experience.
"Clearly, the easiest way for visitors to participate in the local cultures and happenings is to get driven to and from while taking in the views.”
Starline’s buses operate every day, according to published timetables, and offer easily accessible pick-up locations in various Santa Monica districts. Tickets can be purchased from hotels along the routes, at Visitor Information Centers, online at www.StarLinetours.com or riders can pay the driver as they board. 24-hour and 48-hour tickets are available, and are valid on all of Starline CitySightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off routes during that time period. With nearly 50 stops over the entire Hop-on, Hop-off network, visitors can discover the many different faces of Los Angeles and Santa Monica areas according to their own interests – be it museums, shopping, architecture, beach time, history or just general sightseeing.
Prices for 24-hour tickets cost $30 for adults, $20 for children, $25 for seniors & students and $90 for a family (of 2 adults and up to 3 children). The 48-hour tickets cost $40 for adults, $30 for children, $35 for seniors and students and $125 for a family. This pricing remains the same as always even with the inclusion of the new Santa Monica route.
