City
A better map for the TTC?
Now that streetcars, subways and buses are getting an overhaul, isn't it about time the TTC thought about updating some of the other things that help us all get around? Nick Caron thought so and just completed an unofficial redesign of the TTC's rapid transit map (view it larger here) along with some other tweaks like a new logo and names for RT lines.
Like many of us, Caron was deeply unsatisfied with the visual design of the current maps. He felt there was no consistency in appearance or level of information between the many maps the TTC uses in print and online. The map he's designed would be the first part of what he calls a "much simpler puzzle" and represents all the rail transit within the city including streetcars and GO transit.
He plans to create two other maps that would cover bus transit and the blue night service. He hopes the wide and ugly array currently in use can be discarded in favour of his much more efficient system that only presents information the traveller needs, when they need it.
What do you think? Would you like to see the TTC adopt this map?
Discussion
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Then we can save theoretical subway dollars for where they're need-- Scarborough. No, only kidding, a new N/S subway line, as Eglinton LRT will only serve to exacerbate existing overcrowding on that line.
Also, the scale seems kind of strange, but I can't put my finger on it.
However, I do agree that the TTC map should be updated, and should include all rail based transportation, as well as 'bus rapid transit' where it does exist. Its not like we don't have plenty of room on the subway map to show some more useful information. If you only want to take subways, just ignore the other lines.
- streetcars appear as buses on system guide
- no line maps appear on any rail vehicles
- subway map squished impossibly on y-axis because of over-door placement on subway cars
- GO ignored
This map is a nice fix. But it needs to be developed in the exact proportions that fit the ad panels on subway cars near doors, in station and bus shelter map displays, and behind the driver on streetcars.
Also, a version of this map should be made for each line as a "line map" to go over the doors on streetcars and subways.
Will Byford listen to people on maps? How do we get his attention?
@bob Not many rapid transit maps in the world have street names, these kinds of maps are mostly used to show connections between routes. It's not a great trial to add some labels though, so I might.
@iSkyscraper Placing these in the ad panels was actually my intent, the remainder of the panel would probably contain information like connecting bus routes. I have some line diagrams for above the doors as well. I agree with you an all those points.
@Al I wasn't sure if walking up to the street for a transfer was important enough to indicate on the map. Keep in mind that most cities in the world don't even have stations where streetcars pull into them, but I'll think about changing this.
i do have a copy of those construction plans...
I think that this map would be a fantastic upgrade from the current transit maps, but some people have some very good points, indication of required transfers would be quite useful among other features.
LRT= light RAPID TRANSIT
Cheers
http://torontoist.com/2006/05/a_ttc_map_with/
How rapid it is depends on how you implement it. LRT in Calgary and Edmonton (and a lot of cities elsewhere) is rapid transit. Run it in medians with closely-spaced stops and poor-to-no signal priority, not so rapid.
The logo was a good attempt to aggiornamiento... to renew it. The actual one it's actually very difficult to read the TTC letters.
Keep up the work!
I guess I'm a bit of a stickler for accuracy, the stations on the Spadina line don't exactly line up with their Yonge counterparts north of Eglinton aside from Finch/Finch West. The Eglinton Line through Scarborough doesn't line up with the Danforth subway. I'm not even sure if all of those stations will eventually get built. Abit of artistic license perhaps?
As for the naming of the Airlink, I'm hoping they have a naming contest for something a bit less generic. Yes it links downtown to the airport, but if I'm at the airport, what is it linking to? I'd like to suggest the UPLink (hyphenate it if you will) as in Union-Pearson Link. It sounds vaguely technical/futuristic and somewhat implies a quick, direct link.
You could also use the not-often-published route numbers for the subway lines: 1 YUS, 2 BD, 3 SRT, 4 Sheppard. I don't know what they have planned for the LRT lines, but they're going to run into a bit of resistance renumbering the 5 AVENUE RD., 6 BAY and 7 BATHURST if they continue this pattern!
The watermarked rivers are a nice touch, but you're missing the west branch of the Don which gives us Hogg's Hollow, Earl Bales Park and the G. Ross Lord Reservoir.
Further, I have always advocated changing the color of the University-Spadina part of the YUS line to differ from the Yonge section. This would again make it easier for tourists/infrequent users because referencing the lines when giving directions would be as simple as naming a color.