Upcoming Metrolinx board meeting confirms that December 7 is the planned opening date
Note that the line was handed over to the TTC on November 12, and the TTC decides when to open it, not Metrolinx.
Numbered exits are proposed, although presentation is suboptimal. Signs are too reliant on presenting all possible information at once and are filled with icons.
Exits now introduce three separate icons: a yellow door, number, and pedestrian. Compared to MX simpler approach.
Line names have returned, which is the correct approach, and consistent with MX approach.
When the TTC removed line names from signage, they were forced to use either "Eastbound Westbound" or "Kennedy Kipling" to refer to the Bloor-Danforth Line.
Sample of proposed TTC signage presented at Board Meeting this week. Issue persists that signage is cluttered with icons unfamiliar to visitors. Nothing on the sign intuitively represents a subway station.
Compare to MX approach which explicitly includes subway icon.
The Metrolinx Wayfinding Standards have been updated to present the new threshold sign designs.
New designs emphasize the operator logo, which is what the TTC had been requesting. Hopefully this improves buy-in from TTC. Updated TTC standards should be coming soon.
Intention is that the colour is amethyst. It's Ontario's official mineral, avoids prominent provincial party colours, and this particular colour has least overlap with other transit lines and symbols.
Scarborough Subway Extension station wall proposal designs have been released.
Hot air balloon colour scheme is the only correct answer.
Clarifying wayfinding signage to redirect passengers from the TTC moat would be under the City's jurisdiction. MX does not own that area, and therefore, cannot place signage there.
MX only has control over signage on the platforms. Signage in the concourses and elsewhere in the rail station are controlled by the City. City-owned signage is designed by Entro. VIA does not manage any permanent signage.
Metrolinx has a new custom corporate font "Metrolinx Sans" being rolled out to their website. They previously used Avenir Next.
Similar concept for "Proceed to 6 coach boarding area". Goal is to have users turn around to board train. Keep the msg simple so users don't need to wonder what a "6 coach boarding area" is. Eg "Train boards behind you", and when next screen in right direction, "Proceed down platform to board train"
Alternative is to guide all users to common location, then provide diverging instructions there. So you would have signs to guide users to platform 4/5 entrance (and remove stairs icon), and place a map to navigate towards elevators for users that require it.
Missed this, sorry, looks great! One key concept in wayfinding is avoiding introducing location names and simply providing direction or instruction. E.g., "Elevator access via York Concourse" requires users to now learn what a "York Concourse" is.
The new name would be consistent with the station naming recommendations used by the TTC and Metrolinx
This month, the TTC Board will receive a recommendation to rename Dundas Station to "TMU Station", paid for by TMU. Proposal will rush the name change in time for system wayfinding signage changes required for Line 6 opening.
secure.toronto.ca/council/agen...
Proposed design (right side) simplifies the poster to highlight key details and avoid blocks of text. Easier for users to read without having to stop and stare in front of the poster on a busy subway platform.
The TTC introduced a new design for subway closures. Unfortunately, it does not fix the issue of repetitive and complex messaging. Clear and concise messaging is vital for Torontonians, especially when English is often not the first language.
There is eventually a sign that clarifies the City of Toronto logo refers to Metro Hall once users are next to the exit. Users would not know Roy Thompson Hall is also accessed from here if seeing this sign from afar.
For example, there is no mention of either the two theatres up until users are standing at the exit. Current expectation is that users either know that the northwest corner exit is most convenient, or that users will wander around station until they find this sign.
International standards are to 1) guide users to central location with map of surrounding area, 2) give each exit a unique name, 3) show services+destinations available at each exit, 4) guide users to the specific exit. See MX example of unique exit names
Hodgepodge of new signage at St Andrew (designed with WSP and IBI Group).
TTC over-relies on directional signs for exit wayfinding, which fails in downtown stations with multiple exits due to inconsistent/repetitive/poorly placed info. Unclear use of City of Toronto logo.
