Transit
Bus route 50 extended to Scottsdale Community College
Beginning Monday, April 26, bus route 50 riders traveling from Phoenix to Scottsdale Community College will no longer need to transfer to the trolley to complete their trip. The route 50 extension is one of several other transit changes that will go into effect Monday.
COVID-19 Transit Updates
Face coverings required by federal law
Effective Feb. 2, federal law requires face coverings on all public transit.
The Centers for Disease Control has issued an order
that requires face masks that cover cover both nose and mouth to be worn by all travelers (passengers and operators) while on or awaiting public transportation. This new mandate is in addition to the executive order by President Biden earlier this month.
Please note that although Governor Ducey issued an executive order on March 25 that rescinds his previous executive orders concerning the COVID-19 global pandemic, masks are still required while on buses and trolleys, which are federally funded. Masks are also still required at all transit stops.
For the most up-to-date social distancing guidelines, please visit Valley Metro's COVID-19 Updates page.
Scottsdale affected routes:
- Route 72 (Scottsdale Road)
- Route 81 (Hayden Road)
- Route 17 (McDowell Road)
- Route 29 (Thomas Road)
- Route 41 (Indian School Road)
- Route 50 (Camelback Road)
- Route 80 (Shea Boulevard)
- Route 154 (Greenway Road)
- Route 170 (Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard/Bell Road)
Passenger limits will be as follows, with exceptions for wheelchair and mobility aid users as needed:
- Maximum of ten (10) passengers on a regular 40-foot bus
- Maximum of fifteen (15) passengers on a 60-foot articulated (bendy type) bus
Should vehicle capacity be reached, bus operators may not allow additional boardings until additional capacity becomes available. In such cases, passengers may need to wait for the next bus. Passengers are encouraged to plan additional travel time, as these measures may impact their trip. Passengers are also reminded to use public transit only for necessary trips. We ask everyone to continue to practice social distancing while riding, including:
- Boarding using the rear doors
- Visually showing fare to the driver
- Staying at least six feet apart while waiting at bus stops
- In accordance with CDC guidance, wearing a cloth mask covering their nose and mouth.
Transit services in Scottsdale are provided by Scottsdale's trolley system and Valley Metro.
Scottsdale Trolley System
Want to connect to free transit?
The Scottsdale trolley system is free to ride and connects with Valley Metro's transit system giving you access to the greater Phoenix metro area. Whether you're running errands, shopping, going to one of our premier special events or heading across town, there's a trolley for you. Check out the Scottsdale Trolley page for more information.
Valley Metro Transit
Valley Metro, the Phoenix metro area’s regional public transit
system, provides bus service to, through and from Scottsdale to and from other Valley communities.
- View bus routes, schedules and maps
- Explore valleywide transit system map
- Plan your bus trip with Valley Metro's trip planner
- Contact Valley Metro for trip planning assistance 602-253-5000, 602-251-2039 (TTY)
Valley Metro bus routes - regional connections:
- Route 17: McDowell
- Route 29: Thomas
- Route 41: Indian School
- Route 50: Camelback
- Route 56: Priest/McDowell
- Route 72: Scottsdale/Rural
- Route 80: Shea Boulevard
- Route 81: Hayden/McClintock
- Route 154: Greenway
- Route 170: Bell Road/Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
- Express Route 514: South Scottsdale to & from Downtown Phoenix
A bus pass-up can ruin your day. Follow these travel tips to help make sure drivers know you're ready to ride:
- Be five minutes early.
- Stay visible and pay attention.
- Signal the approaching bus if you can.
- Don't chase the bus.
For more tips, visit valleymetro.org/bustravel.
In a hurry? Try NextRide.
Valley Metro buses and trains are equipped with GPS technology allowing you to access real-time scheduled arrival times. The NextRide electronic service provides quick access to transit schedule information. All you need is a phone or access to the internet and your STOP# (the five digit number posted on the bus stop sign, shelter or light rail station).
Here’s how it works:
By phone:
Call: 602-253-5000
Say NextRide.
Say or enter the STOP# located at the bus stop or light rail station.
Text: 22966
Enter the STOP# located at the bus stop or light rail station.
Press send, and you will receive the next arrival times for your stop. If the stop serves more than one route, you will receive times for each route.
Standard text messaging rates apply.
By web:
Visit http://trips.valleymetro.org/nextride
Enter the STOP# located at the bus stop or light rail station.
Press GO.
Plan your trip with Ridekick and Transit apps
Valley Metro's Ridekick app offers interactive trip planning and
allows you to save favorite routes and stops. For more information, including links to download the free app, visit ValleyMetro.org.
Transit is real-time transit app that helps you plan your best
route using public transit, ride share services, biking and walking. For more information, including links to download the free app, visit TransitApp.com.
Paratransit Services
Scottsdale Cab Connection
Cab Connection is a Scottsdale-funded program offering more flexibility and greater independence for many individuals. The program sends a number of vouchers per month to each participant to help purchase one-way cab trips. (A roundtrip requires two vouchers, and a multi-stop trip requires vouchers for each leg of the trip.)
Cost
The vouchers are subsidized by the city of Scottsdale and pay 80 percent per one-way cab trip, up to a maximum of $10. The participant pays the remainder of the trip cost and any tip.
Eligibility
To apply you must be a Scottsdale resident, age 65 or older, or if under age 65, be certified as disabled through the Valley Metro Mobility Center. Cab Connection, under special circumstances, is also available for those individuals with a temporary disability.
More information
For information, applications or to provide comments, please call 480-312-8747 or email us at CabConnectionInfo@scottsdaleaz.gov.
RideChoice
Valley Metro RideChoice provides access to Lyft, Uber, taxis and wheelchair-accessible vehicles for Scottsdale residents who are ADA paratransit certified. Eligible participants can call for a pickup any time, and they are not required to share rides. Participants can take up to 20 trips per month. (Participants who are using the service for work, school or medical appointments may be eligible for more additional trips.)
Cost
RideChoice provides rides up to 8 miles for $3.00. Additional miles cost $2.00 per mile.
Eligibility
RideChoice is available to Scottsdale residents who are certified eligible for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the Valley Metro Mobility Center. For more information on becoming ADA paratransit certified, please visit the Valley Metro ADA Paratransit Eligibility webpage or call the Valley Metro Mobility Center at 602-716-2100.
RideChoice Frequently Asked Questions
Valley Metro Paratransit
Valley Metro Paratransit (formerly known as East Valley Dial-A-Ride) provides two types of door-to-door, shared ride service for seniors and people with disabilities:
ADA
Advanced reservation service with a fixed fee per one-way trip is available to persons who meet the eligibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Non-ADA
Service is available to persons with disabilities or senior citizens age 65 or older Monday through Saturday. The fare for a one-way trip is based on zones traveled. Advanced Reservation trips are encouraged.
Cost
ADA-certified participants pay $4 per one-trip. Cost for non-ADA participants is dependent on how many zones are traveled. Service will accept cash and Dial-A-Ride tickets only. EXACT CHANGE IS REQUIRED. DRIVERS ARE UNABLE TO GIVE CHANGE.
Service Area
In Scottsdale, Valley Metro Paratransit service is provided from Bell Road / CAP Canal / Thunderbird Road on the north to McKellips Road on the south. This service includes service to the cities of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.
Eligibility
No certification process is needed to use the non-ADA service, although proof of age or proof of disability may be requested by Valley Metro Paratransit reservations or the driver. A driver's license or other state issued ID card is an acceptable proof of age. A Medicare card or Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID card is acceptable proof of age or disability.
More information
- 602-716-2200 Reservations or general information
- 602-716-2100 Option #2 for ADA Certification
- 602-253-5000 Valley Metro Reduced Fare ID card
- 602-716-2118 TTY service
Reduced Fare Bus Card
Seniors and people with disabilities can ride the bus for a reduced fare. For more information, please call 602-253-5000 or visit Valley Metro
AZRide Info
For information about transportation resources across Arizona, including paratransit services, please visit AZRide Info.
Scottsdale senior transportation discussion
Councilwoman Klapp recently hosted a conversation about transportation options available to Scottsdale seniors on "Perspectives." Click the video below to view.
Scottsdale's Civil Rights Program - Title VI
The City of Scottsdale, City of Phoenix and Valley Metro operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, national origin or disability in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Notice - Rights under Title VI (PDF)
Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against by transit services in Scottsdale, and believes the discrimination was based upon race, color or
national origin may file a formal complaint with Valley Metro Customer Service. For more information on how to file a
complaint, please visit Valley Metro's Civil Rights and Title VI Protection page.
Valley Metro Online Title VI
Complaint Form
Printable Title VI Complaint Form
Traveling with a Service Animal on Buses & Trolleys
In accordance with the requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a “service animal” is defined as any dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including psychiatric, cognitive or mental disabilities.
Individuals traveling with service animals are welcome on regional buses and trolleys. Keep in mind an employee may ask the following questions to verify that an animal traveling with a transit passenger is a service animal:
- “Is your animal a service animal?”
- “What task is your service animal trained to perform?”
For more information on service animals, visit
Valley Metro's website
Requesting Reasonable Modifications
A reasonable modification is a change in Valley Metro’s service policies and practices in circumstances where established practices may prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing and participating fully in Valley Metro’s programs, services and facilities.
Contact Information
City of Scottsdale - Transportation
7447 E. Indian School Rd., Suite 205
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-7250
TDD: 480-312-5419
F: 480-312-4000
Traffic Engineering
P: 480-312-7250
Street Operations
P: 480-312-5620
Traffic Management Center
P: 480-312-7777 (6 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays)
scottsdaletmc@scottsdaleaz.gov
Active Transportation Map
Scottsdale’s Active Transportation Map showcases the city’s trails and bikeways. The waterproof, tear-proof map can be found at Scottsdale libraries, bike shops and community centers, or it can also be delivered to your home for free. Contact Jennifer Banks at jbanks@scottsdaleaz.gov or 480-312-7517 to order your copy now.
New! Download a geo-referenced pdf map compatible with the Avenza Maps App.