A New Transit Map for Philadelphia Aims to Draw More Riders
A proposal to overhaul wayfinding inside SEPTA’s notoriously baffling rail system would introduce new nomenclature and better signage.
A new rail system map with fresh nomenclature is central to SEPTA’s proposed wayfinding changes.
Source: SEPTA
Of all of America’s troubled public transit systems, Philadelphia’s SEPTA endures some of the heaviest mockery. Frequent delays and less-than-pristine conditions aboard its regional rail, subway, streetcar and bus networks have inspired songs, memes and the enduring moniker “Inepta.” Inside stations, a sign-correcting vigilante known as @SeptaUXMan has waged battle with the system’s vexing navigational displays. “We’ll get there faster together,” states his Twitter bio, a riff on the agency’s much-derided old slogan.
It seems SEPTA has taken some of those barbs to heart. On Sept. 7, the agency unveiled a $40 million campaign to overhaul wayfinding on its rail system, including a new line identification scheme and bolder, more consistent signage inside stations. Backed by 18 months of public input meetings, surveys and a research partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, the proposal aims at increasing accessibility and ease for anyone who’s riding. The wayfinding master plan is now open for public comment; SEPTA says it expects to unveil a finalized version in 2022, with a rollout of new signage over the next few years.