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Bay Area wayfinding project proposes unified signs and maps; Vallejo Transit Center named a pilot site
Summary
MTC representatives presented a regional mapping and wayfinding standards project designed to harmonize signage and maps across Bay Area transit agencies; SolTrans was invited to be a pilot agency and the Vallejo Transit Center and ferry terminal were listed among nine regional pilot hubs.
Representatives from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) described a Bay Area'wide regional mapping and wayfinding project that aims to standardize signs, maps and wayfinding across transit agencies so riders encounter a consistent design and information language across counties.
Gordon Hanson, introduced as the project manager, said the project seeks a unified, harmonized system of signs and maps including color-coded regional network identity, modal icons and standard guidance for bus stops, rail stations and ferry terminals. "Our view is that riders should learn just one way to ride Bay Area transit no matter where they go," Hanson said, noting prototypes have been installed at El Cerrito Del Norte, Powell Street and Santa Rosa and that pilots will include nine regional hubs across eight counties, including the Vallejo Transit Center and the Vallejo ferry terminal.
The presentation emphasized accessibility testing (braille, tactile panels and tactile pathways) and inclusive outreach to Chinese- and Spanish-speaking communities and riders with disabilities; Mr. Hanson said almost 90% of prototype respondents said navigation was easy or very easy, with large percentage-point improvements over prior signs.
Board members thanked MTC for the presentation and asked how the design would work in different ownership contexts (for example, agencies that do not own poles where signs must be mounted). Hanson and staff said the standards are written to allow agencies to manage installation and maintenance while recommending a balance between universal accessibility features and realistic maintenance obligations for multi-jurisdictional operators.
What happens next: MTC will release a set of technical standards and guidance to support agencies' immediate sign projects, and staff said SolTrans can participate in early pilot projects and in the regionwide technical advisory committee to provide user feedback and help refine the design.
