NYC Subway Map Gets a Redesign

But isn’t it so much more than just a paper redesign?!?

Source: NYC MTA

Earlier this month, the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) released a “reimagined” map of its subway system for the first time since 1979, to make it easier for riders to follow the routes and get real time updates. Perhaps it still sits on fold-out paper maps in some cases, but it most appears on digital signage with interactive updates on train timings/locations and system updates.

It’s bolder, simpler, much more iconically graphic, and definitely easier to read. A quick look and you know it’s New York!

The new one is pictured above and here’s the old one, albeit very static in nature:

Source: NYC MTA

Cowabunga (that is an official term)! What a change!

Why is this so important and significant? Yes it’s much easier to read and navigate along what can be an overwhelming network of train lines and stations. Stop one.

But also, the MTA is putting a considerable amount of effort into modernizing the rider experience from payment methods to entry/exit turnstiles to signage on the platforms informing of incoming trains to alerts on the trains about upcoming stops … and the MTA needs to get some credit to drive more usage. New “branding,” if you will, signifies that modernization and shows riders and potential riders that changes are indeed happening which then will hopefully reduce some of the barriers to people avoiding the subways altogether.

More riders means more revenue which means more upgrades, making the experience even better. A circular loop of continuous improvement, and the new map is a symbol of all of that!

Right at a time when NYC Congestion Pricing, which is also funding some of these modernization initiatives, is being called into question.

Complicated! Branding meets technology meets marketing meets politics meets rider experience. There you have it. All rolled up into a new map. That’s a lot to unroll.

Kudos to the design team for coming up with a spectacular look to take the NYC subway system into its next gen.

What’s your experience? JIM

P.S. … The NYC Subway system is the oldest in the U.S., second oldest in the world after London, and has the second most number of stations after Beijing. Fun facts!