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New signs for new times
King County Metro Transit
is looking to simplify travel for bus riders with new signs that are
easier to see, read, and use. This week, you can help Metro by checking
out prototype bus stop signs in downtown Seattle and fill out a
survey expressing your likes and dislikes about the new signs.
“We are hoping people will check out these signs and see if they provide the information they need to ride our buses,” said Gary Larson, chief of Information Production for Metro. "The signs include the main destinations for each bus route, larger route numbers, the location of the bus stop, symbols for connecting transportation modes like the airport and rail, and Metro's Rider Information number and Web site address." Metro launched a multi-year program in 2007 to invest in an up-to-date design for passenger signs that is more informative, easier to see and use, and more attractive for customers. The plan is to replace the existing 18-year-old signage system with new signs, beginning with those at Metro bus stops. The transit agency is looking to increase customer satisfaction by providing signage that makes it easier to navigate the system – particularly when making transfers between buses or between the different transportation systems in the region. Larson said they also want to provide as much information as possible in the small space available, and update the signage to better fit in with new transit facilities and even Metro's bus colors.
Metro began developing the new designs after testing a preliminary sign style in 2006 along new Route 180 in South King County. Metro is now conducting "real-life" field-testing of the signs and their components to make sure they meet passenger needs and the agency’s goals. The field-testing is a key step before completing a Sign Design Standards Manual, which will contain graphics, specifications, instructions, and other information for planning, fabricating and installing the signs during the next few years. Some of the goals for the new signage are: • Easy to identify, use, and understand with a consistent organization of information and design; • Understandable to both existing customers and new, or infrequent transit users; • Provide useful information that improves the ride, and removes barriers to using Metro; • Meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and needs of people who are limited or non-English speaking; and • Simplify information updates and changes, and minimize the cost of updating and maintaining the signs. |
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