Say it Aint So. Boston Lifts Moritorium on Sightseeing Licenses

Usually, I don't like getting surprise calls from the Boston Police Department. But this time, it was a little bit different. Somehow, I missed the news article in the fall but I just got a call from the Hackney division. Boston Sightseeing licenses are opening up.

This is unbelievably good news for Boston Movie Tours as it ends the sightseeing oligopoly that existed in Boston. So what the heck does that mean? It means Boston Movie Tours can potentially grow its business beyond the private tour and reservation-based business. The end result: more movie buffs can enjoy Boston's movie magic.

I will keep you updated as we go through the application process.We may need your support during this time.

The Announcement

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis announce lifting of Sight-seeing License Moratorium.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Police Commissioner Edward Davis announce effective today that a moratorium on the issuance of any new sight-seeing automobile licenses, which was put in place in 1998, is hereby rescinded.

The moratorium on the issuance of licenses for Sight-seeing vehicles was put in place in June of 1998 in response to concerns about the impact of such vehicles on traffic in the downtown area during the construction of the new Central Artery and Ted Williams Tunnel. With the conclusion of surface construction, and time to evaluate the new traffic patterns, a moratorium is no longer necessary.

The Boston Police Department Hackney Carriage Unit will begin accepting applications immediately for the 2010 season which begins March 1, 2010. Additionally, since 2007 the BPD, in consultation with the Trolley industry, has been developing an improved Rule regarding the licensing process and ongoing regulation of Sight-seeing vehicles operating in Boston. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the new rule.