Roughly a year ago, I produced a fast and frequent network diagram of the Greater Montreal Area. Now, I redrawn it from scratch and improved it’s legibility. I’ve also devised a new data driven method to decide which lines to represent. With the ARTM having the desire to develop a metropolitan frequent bus network, I believe my diagram would be a good template to further value the frequent bus lines in the region.
Montreal’s recent introduction of a metropolitan bus pass, which allows travel across most regional buses with a single ticket, marks a major improvement in public transit. However, the bus network still struggles with visual and operational disunity. Each operator uses its own wayfinding and design, causing confusion about whether the buses operate as a unified system. To address this, I propose a standardized wayfinding system for all operators. Despite time constraints from working full-time and handling overtime, I focused on developing a design standard, particularly for bus stop signage. This effort, though limited in scope, aims to create a more integrated and user-friendly transit experience for Montreal.
Montreal’s Bus Network: Solving the Identity Crisis Read More »
This article discusses the critical need for clear and effective signage in public transportation, especially during service disruptions such as network shutdowns. Highlighting the importance of signage as a primary communication tool for transit users, a solution would be to improve service change communications and wayfinding, focusing on planned service closures where transit authorities have direct control. The article also discusses issues with current lackluster signs which fail to direct users effectively, leading to rider frustration. To combat this, I had provided detailed solutions including high-quality signage and visual wayfinding tools.
Making better signage for when things go haywire. Read More »
Despite, more and more people digitalizing, transit agencies are not good at creating the bridge between the digital world and the real world. This leaves a lot to be desired in signage, where it does not cater to the specific needs in the digital age, and it does not build on the shortcomings of digital technology. One area that signage could be massively improved is the network map. Transit maps are often good at conveying network information; however, they are not good at distinguishing which portion of their network is useful most of the time (i.e. frequent or fast lines), to the majority of users. This leaves a large gap between a simple rail diagram and the complex bus network map with hundreds of lines. What if there could be a map that shows at a regional level, all the frequent buses, along with a simple graphic in the legend that displays frequency…
The case for a regional fast and frequent service map. Read More »