Scottsdale panel approves denim-blue, gray trolley palette; white allowed for designers

The Scottsdale Transportation Commission voted Jan. 15 to standardize the exterior paint palette for the Scottsdale Trolley, approving denim blue and gray as baseline colors and allowing designers to use white as a third option.

Nathan, the transportation staff presenter, told the commission the timing is driven by an impending vehicle procurement. "We have to get them our design by February 23," he said, noting five vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and that the city plans to buy 13 more over the next three to four years. He described the change as an effort to create a consistent civic brand and reduce rider confusion with adjacent systems.

Commissioners debated the trade-offs between visibility, maintenance and distinctiveness. Commissioner Baker argued maintenance concerns weighed against a predominantly white finish: "White is much more maintenance intensive," he said, and recommended denim blue with gray as secondary. Commissioner Davis and others urged keeping distinctive elements of the older trolley look—such as wood-trim-style decals—where feasible.

Vice Chair Cardella successfully moved an amendment to allow designers to select from denim blue, gray and white; Commissioner Marmon seconded the amendment. The final, amended motion directed staff to standardize the exterior palette and return with detailed decal and layout options at the February meeting. The motion passed on an individual roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting yes (seven yes, zero no).

Staff said the standardized palette will be applied to new vehicle purchases and that the department will make a later recommendation about whether to retrofit older buses or wait for end-of-life replacements.