We had a discussion about it in the comments.
Well, EVG regular Spike, who told us about all this in the first place, received an email from the MTA with some clarification:
New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law restricts the use of flashing blue lights to emergency-response vehicles only.
Per Spike: "Sounds better then 'stupid people couldn't tell the difference between a bus and an ambulance.'"
And now the MTA is testing new colors for the Select buses.
Spike is pulling for abalone shell or mother of pearl. And we're going with caput mortuum — Latin for "worthless remains,"
What color would you like to see the MTA adopt for their flashing lights on Select buses?
Previously on EV Grieve:
RIP M15 Select bus flashing blue lights