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.

Metro's prototype sign offers a new look.

The prototype signs are on Third Avenue, between Union and University streets, next to Benaroya Hall. The display will be in place through at least the end of this week.

"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.

The prototype sign is now installed on Third Avenue between Union and University streets.

Working with an experienced transit sign design consultant, the system-wide revamp started with an assessment of Metro’s current signs and research of signs used by other transit systems in our region and around the country and world. The consultant is working closely with a team of Metro staff representing key groups that plan, produce, install, maintain, and use the signs. The project team is also working with Metro’s customer service staff who answer passenger questions and help confused customers. Community members serving on Metro’s transit advisory committees have also reviewed and endorsed the sign designs.

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.