New Guides to Standardize SF Bay Area Transit Signage

With nearly 20 transit agencies across nine counties, and several different modes of public transportation, different signage can confuse riders. To establish uniform transit signs and maps, San Franscico Bay Area’s Regional Network Management (RNM) Council approved two new design guidelines. Standardization will make it easier for riders to navigate the area through easily distinguishable, clear, and consistent signage applied across service area and county lines.

Marking individual bus stops, major transportation hubs, and everything in between, signs should emphasize the name of the service and frequency. The design guide outlines specific signage symbols, colors, lines, labels, and hierarchy, while de-prioritizing transit agency names and logos.

The RNM, which consists of the executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and representatives of Bay Area transit agencies, released The Regional Network Identity Design Guide and The Transit Stop Signage Design Guide for transit agencies to start using in the near-term while finalizations are being made. The designs were tested in various locations with public feedback. An evaluation indicated the test maps and signs significantly improved riders’ ability to use transit and find information.

The Regional Network Identity Design Guide defines a consistent look and feel for the Bay Area transit network. The Transit Stop Signage Design Guide provides guidance for designing, installing, and maintaining the area’s approximately 21,000 transit stops, mainly bus stops. In addition to improving legibility for riders, consistent signs are intended to reduce long-term design, fabrication, and maintenance costs for transit agencies.

“The Regional Mapping and Wayfinding Project is a standout example of regional cooperation,” said Bob Powers, chair of the RNM Council. “Putting customers’ interests first is the cornerstone of our Transit Transformation Action Plan to increase ridership by making transit faster, cleaner, more comfortable, more convenient, and easier to navigate.”