|
|
Post by Elson on Jun 13, 2013 23:33:47 GMT -8
Metro recently unveiled this Metro Rail system map on The Source blog:  Looks nice, huh? Unfortunately, it's more or less an internal document, as there are NO plans to install this map on trains or stations. Don't you think that's kind of silly? I once had a conversation with a fellow rider on the Expo Line who had absolutely NO idea the line is being extended to Santa Monica in a couple years (FYI: 99% of riders are not transit geeks/urban planning types). If that's not a good reason to put maps with under-construction lines on it, I don't know what is. How can TTC advocate Metro to use this map on trains and stations? |
|
|
|
Post by masonite on Jun 14, 2013 10:13:23 GMT -8
Metro recently unveiled this Metro Rail system map on The Source blog: Looks nice, huh? Unfortunately, it's more or less an internal document, as there are NO plans to install this map on trains or stations. Don't you think that's kind of silly? I once had a conversation with a fellow rider on the Expo Line who had absolutely NO idea the line is being extended to Santa Monica in a couple years (FYI: 99% of riders are not transit geeks/urban planning types). If that's not a good reason to put maps with under-construction lines on it, I don't know what is. How can TTC advocate Metro to use this map on trains and stations? I think it would be appropriate to put Expo 2 and Foothill on a dotted line basis, but I wouldn't show any other lines until they actually start real construction. Showing a VA Station that likely won't open for another quarter century shouldn't be on the active map |
|
|
|
Post by bzcat on Jun 14, 2013 10:31:01 GMT -8
Agreed that once construction begin, it should be shown on the map.
So by this time next year, I think it would be appropriate to show Purple line extended to La Cienega as under construction.
Also, once FlyAway starts serving Sepulveda Station (Orange line) and La Brea Station (Expo), they should be added.
|
|
|
|
Post by matthewb on Jun 14, 2013 13:49:47 GMT -8
As people are not "transit geeks" some will be confused by the dashed lines and think they can already take the train to Santa Monica. I think it's an excellent policy to have maps on trains that show where the trains currently go. I know that the map clearly indicates that the dashed line is under construction, but that won't prevent all confusion, especially with people who don't speak English well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elson on Jun 14, 2013 18:07:42 GMT -8
As people are not "transit geeks" some will be confused by the dashed lines and think they can already take the train to Santa Monica. I think it's an excellent policy to have maps on trains that show where the trains currently go. I know that the map clearly indicates that the dashed line is under construction, but that won't prevent all confusion, especially with people who don't speak English well. I think a dashed line, in faded colors is a universal indication that the line isn't ready yet, regardless of what language you speak. Certain iconography is pretty much understood by everyone: An octagonal red sign on a road means "STOP" no matter what's written on it, for example. After all, they most likely have maps in their native country's transit systems that indicate the same dashed lines. It would also help to have a "Opening 2016") whatever year as a disclaimer. Even people who don't speak a word of English know what "2016" (or a future year indicated there) would refer to. They're not dumb. The fact that they're here already means they can understand some English to some degree, they're just not fluent in it. And even if they're not fluent in English, if they're riding on a transit system (and have a job or school to go to) anyway, they can figure things out. |
|
|
|
Post by matthewb on Jun 15, 2013 11:39:45 GMT -8
And even if they're not fluent in English, if they're riding on a transit system (and have a job or school to go to) anyway, they can figure things out. If they're tourists they might not speak any English or have a job or school to go to. Anyway, some people are dumb or don't speak English. Take it as one possible explanation for why Metro might not want to put "under construction" maps on the trains and in stations. Another is that people might start getting pissed off at seeing it on their way to work every day while the line takes over a decade to get built (e.g. the Purple line). Either way, it's not really up to us, but I don't really see it as a priority. |
|
|
|
Post by jamesinclair on Jun 21, 2013 17:15:52 GMT -8
As far as I know, every transit system in the world puts out maps showing under construction lines (actually under construction, as mentioned above, Id show gold and expo only).
|
|
