Downtown Scottsdale is a growing hub for business. It is also a popular destination for people looking for unique shopping and eating experiences. When combined, these can create a parking shortage, primarily in the northeast area of downtown (between Scottsdale and Miller roads, and Indian School and Camelback roads).
A new express trolley and other parking adjustments in that area are designed to improve the downtown experience for merchants, visitors and people who work there. The changes are based on feedback from area businesses and City Council direction.
A new express trolley route will help workers take advantage of free parking
Beginning Sept. 19, the free Scottsdale Trolley will operate an express route with fewer stops from 4 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday so people who work in Downtown Scottsdale area can easily find free parking and get a convenient ride to the office.
The express route will provide service every 10 minutes in a clockwise loop that connects area businesses and their employees to more than 3,500 free and unrestricted parking spots (many in covered garages) around Downtown Scottsdale. After work, people can hop back on the trolley to get to their cars (express service stops at 10 a.m., but trolley service continues at normal frequency until 9 p.m.).
Find trolley maps and schedules at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “trolley.”
Increased Valley Metro service means there are even more parking options
Workers at Downtown Scottsdale businesses can also use Valley Metro Route 72 (Scottsdale Road), which offers 10-minute frequency from the Tempe Transportation Center to Camelback Road Monday through Friday.
On-street parking will be reduced to two hours in the northeast area of Downtown Scottsdale
Also beginning Sept. 19, the on-street parking limit for most spaces will be reduced from three to two hours in the northeast area of downtown (between Scottsdale and Miller roads, and Indian School and Camelback roads). This change – and additional parking enforcement to back it up – should help ensure adequate parking for customers at businesses, shops and eateries in this part of Downtown Scottsdale.
The city’s economic development, transportation and downtown tourism offices will continue to work with area businesses to educate employees about these options and other efforts to enhance parking. They will also gather feedback on how those steps are working.
For more information, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “downtown parking.”
