Sewickley couple launches Burgh Bus — interactive comedy show, party ride
The Burgh Bus takes riders on more than a trip to and from school — owners Nick and Kat Walker refer to it as a form of “Pittsburgh transportainment.”
“It is different than anything else you can do in Pittsburgh,” said Ryan McBride, of Bellevue, who has ridden several times. “It has the comedy club and bar atmosphere on a traveling party bus.”
McBride said the comedians enhance the experience (there are both PG-13 and R-rated tours).
Comedian Samantha Bentley said performing on the bus is fun because it’s interactive.
“Every bus ride is unique,” said Bentley, of Garfield. “But everyone comes for the same thing – to laugh. We don’t have a set standup routine. We feed off the vibe of the crowd.”
Nick Walker said it’s about creating a fun night out, often times with people you don’t know.
Burgh Bus launched last year and the season officially opens April 1, but there are a few tours before then including Friday — St. Patrick’s Day — at 7 p.m. with comedian Matt Light.
Additional day time tours will be added in the spring and summer, along with other new themed rides and experiences.
The Walkers moved to Sewickley from Virginia in 2015. Kat Walker is a graphic designer, illustrator and photographer. Nick Walker has worked multiple jobs, one as a Lyft ride-sharing service driver, which is where he learned about the city, the people and the streets.
“My wife and I were brainstorming about a business, and a black-and-gold bus came to mind, and it just clicked. The timing was right,” Nick Walker said. “We strive to think outside the box while also offering something for everyone. It’s all about having fun and spreading good vibes around this great city.”
The couple purchased a 39-foot school bus and updated it with party lights, speakers and comfortable seats. They painted it Pittsburgh sports teams’ colors and attached a bus wrap that showcases Pittsburgh-inspired details such as a parking chair, a steel beam, a bridge, the Point State Park fountain and, of course, sports items.
The original seat frames remain, but they’ve been reupholstered and wooden slats have been added to the back of the seats.
The windows were removed, and the open air feels great when the weather is good, Nick Walker said.
The bus can accommodate 44 passengers. It cruises around Downtown Pittsburgh, North Shore, South Side, Oakland, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville and the Strip District. There is a bathroom break halfway through the tour.
“It is such a cool idea,” said Ben Butler, founder of Top Hat, a design agency based in Aspinwall that helped with branding for the Burgh Bus. “We love the concept, because it can be utilized for so many things, from company events to bachelor and bachelorette parties to birthdays and anniversaries.”
Nick Walker is the bus driver.
Riders are invited to bring a small cooler of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. No glass is permitted.
The comedians have a list of talking points, but they go off topic and make adjustments based on the people on the bus.
“They are so good at that,” Nick Walker said. “Riders love that, too. They get to enjoy each other, a drink and some laughs while being driven through the city.”
The Walkers want to use the Burgh Bus for shuttle runs from Downtown Pittsburgh to the new Pittsburgh Brewing Co. facility in East Deer for a beer tour.
They’ve also purchased a second, 29-foot bus they plan to introduce this summer. It will look different both inside and outside than the first one.
“We have a big vision for this year,” Nick Walker said. “We plan provide a lot of different experiences, some which are not going to be comedy tours. We want to take the Burgh Bus on new routes.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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