Muni responds to San Franciscans' 'outrage' over new 'Dodger blue' logo

Muni announced its new logo on May 1, 2018: a white "M" on a blue background that some on social media have likened to "Dodger Blue." Muni announced its new logo on May 1, 2018: a white "M" on a blue background that some on social media have likened to "Dodger Blue." Photo: SFMTA.com Photo: SFMTA.com Image 1 of / 58 Caption Close Muni responds to San Franciscans' 'outrage' over new 'Dodger blue' logo 1 / 58 Back to Gallery

San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency is moving ahead with a bold new look that isn't sitting well with Giants fans.

The logo, which went live on Muni's website Tuesday, consists of a white letter "M" designed with the existing Muni look set on a deep blue background.

Some took exception to the new color on social media after it went public, likening it to "Dodger Blue."

We’re excited to officially announce the new SFMTA logo! https://t.co/GTz8gQBk9A — SFMTA (@sfmta_muni) May 1, 2018

"Dodger blue? Really? Try again!" said one comment.

Muni responded on its Twitter account: "The Dodgers don't have a monopoly on blue :) The blue was chosen to put us more in sync with other city agencies that utilize the color, as well as an homage to departments within our agency — such as DPT — that have had blue as their primary color."

Muni posted similar responses to several other commenters who were upset with the new logo design.

However, the knee-jerk reaction against perceived Dodger colors may have obscured a more obvious Bay Area connection. "If you're looking for a sports team, it fits with Warriors blue," said Paul Rose, SFMTA spokesperson.

Rose explained that the agency wanted to choose a color that best represented a mixture of blues historically used by the bygone Department of Parking and Traffic, other city agencies, Muni lines like the N Judah as well as parking garages and lots.

He also pointed out that the hue of blue MTA chose is actually a touch lighter than official Dodger blue.

The transit agency announced the change as part of an effort to modernize its image. Muni said 2015 research revealed less than 12 percent of San Francisco residents could name the municipal agency charged with transportation.

Similarly, 2017's Muni Customer Satisfaction Survey found nearly half of respondents did not understand the SFMTA and its responsibilities.

SFMTA tested several logo designs with the public before embracing the "M."The agency also said the "M" was chosen because it's commonly used in major cities to symbolize transit services.

The full Muni "worm" logo — a uniquely San Francisco image, designed by Walter Landor in 1977 —will continue to live alongside the new blue logo as the agency has no official plans to retire it.

Rose said the old logo will remain on Muni's fleet while the new logo will eventually find its way onto curbs throughout the city. "It won't be immediate," he said.