Visitors to Asheville who want to see the sights without having to drive will soon have another option, as City Council on Sept. 4 granted a tour-bus franchise to Gray Line Trolley Tours.

Howard and Deborah Helmken, of Savannah, Ga., said the new tour will bring customers to destinations such as the River Arts District.

Gray Line is the cityís second franchised tour company. The other official tour is Asheville Historic Trolley Tours.

Franchised tours must pay the city one dollar per day of operation.

Another tour-bus company, La Zoom, is a charter service that does not require a franchise, according to Bruce Black, city transit director.

Some council members expressed concerns about the increased traffic congestion that another bus might add, especially in the early mornings.

The Helmkens said that the city traffic engineering department had permitted them to operate in the early mornings,† but that they do not intend to do so.

Councilman Carl Mumpower, who cast the sole vote against allowing the franchise, said the cityís transit commission should review issues like franchise fees before a new tour bus is added.