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TCRP A-09 [Completed]
Signs and Symbols in Transit Facilities
| Project Data |
| Funds: |
$249,952 |
| Research Agency: |
KRW, Inc. |
| Principal Investigator: |
George A. Earnhart |
| Effective Date: |
4/18/1994 |
| Completion Date: |
1/18/1996 |
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The results of this project will assist transit operators in the use of appropriate signs and symbols for their facilities. Guidelines were developed that describe the use of signs and symbols that provide for the safe and efficient movement of passengers to and through transit facilities. These guidelines will also assist transit operators in providing passenger information systems that encourage the use of transit by new users, infrequent riders, and individuals with disabilities.
Under TCRP Project A-9, KRW, Inc., was responsible for developing guidelines to assist transit agencies in the appropriate use of signs and symbols in transit facilities. More than 30 properties nationwide, representing a broad cross section of the industry, were surveyed and their signage practices documented. Signage information from both international and domestic transit providers was reviewed, and the information needs of transit users that could be satisfied by signs and symbols were identified. The national survey of transit agencies and airports showed that there was not a comprehensive set of guidelines outlining how to design and implement an effective signage system. Candidate symbols and signs were subsequently designed and evaluated by a broad cross section of transit riders and non-riders, graphic designers, and transit personnel. The evaluation findings were factored into the development of the guidelines, resulting in a set of guidelines that incorporate the best of those signs, symbols, and graphics-design standards for the transit industry.
TCRP Report No. 12, "Guidelines for Transit Facility Signing and Graphics," provides an understanding of the three principal elements for signage system design, (1) defining and understanding the needs of users; (2) applying the principles of wayfinding design; and (3) providing basic guidelines for copy style and size, terminology, uniform symbols, colors, and shapes, and placement of signs.
The unpublished final report contains the details of the research effort and findings. Copies of the report are available for loan.
TCRP Report No. 12 is also available in portable document format (PDF). (A free copy of Adobe Acrobat reader is available at www.adobe.com.) Double-click on the files below to access the report.
Front Matter; Chapter 1: Signing Philosophy and Principles of Wayfinding; Chapter 2: User Groups; Chapter 3: The Wayfinding Design Process and the Transit Trip Model; Chapter 4: Standard Terminology and Message Hierarchy;
Chapter 5: Sign Categories, Shapes, and Colors;
Chapter 6: Sign Design; Chapter 7: Transit Facility Symbols, Arrows, and Graphic Applications (892 KB)
Chapter 8: Assistive Listening Systems, Cue Signs, Electronic Visual Information Displays, and Audible Signs; Chapter 9: Material Selection and Preparation, Fabrication Methods, and Maintenance and Repair Procedures;
Chapter 10: Consultant Selection and Bidding Procedures; Selected Bibliography (545 KB)
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