Buses take tourists to damaged areas of New Orleans

Bus tours of damage caused by Hurricane Katrina have begun taking tourists to some of New Orleans’ most misery-stricken spots.

The Gray Line New Orleans tour was sold out for its inaugural run on Jan. 4. For $35 per adult, $28 for children, passengers were taken past the Superdome, the Convention Center and neighborhoods damaged by Katrina and the subsequent flooding.

Residents have been at odds over whether the tours are crass and morbid exploitation, or a good way to help people grasp the enormity of the disaster.

The three-hour tours, called “Hurricane Katrina – America’s Worst Catastrophe,” start at the edge of the French Quarter, then drive past the Superdome and Convention Center, where thousands suffered in the heat for days without food or water.

The company has pledged to give $3 per ticket to Katrina-related charities. For details, visit www.graylineneworleans.com or call (800) 535-7786.