A prototype of the new Nextrip plaque signs.
Included in last week’s official Nextrip launch was an informational video that included a sneak peak at some eye catching new bus stop signage
This new signage – the first part of a larger initiative to update all bus stop signs – brings Nextrip information to each and every bus stop in the system. It’s a project that shows Metro’s commitment to the real time arrival system by making sure that all riders are aware of the service and have access to the neccessary information.
The Nextrip signs come in a few flavors: cubes with braille stop ID’s, plaques with braille stop ID’s and plain old plaques. All the signs differentiate themselves from the standard stop signage with a dark purple paint job that makes the informational text and iconography (painted in white) unmissable.
Perhaps the most noticeable element on the signage is the large QR code (quick response code) embedded within the information hierarchy. For those who aren’t familiar with QR codes, they allow riders equipped with camera enabled smartphones to quickly scan the barcode symbol which will instantly link them to a web page. In this case, the QR codes will eventually link to a stop specific webpage on Metro.net with Nextrip information, information about the lines served, a map of the area and even nearby Destination Discount offers. For the time being, the codes will send users to the Nextrip page of Metro.net
As you can imagine, as a whole this is a massive project. Metro has 15,500 bus stops which means 15,500 unique signs (and web pages) have to be fabricated and installed. This takes coordination with a number of departments which means the roll out will happen incrementally and line by line. The good news is that it starts soon – the first signs (2,000 of them, covering 11 lines) will be installed in June to coincide with the service shake-up.
Click through the jump for more pictures of the new signage and let us know what you think about the designs in the comments.
A prototype for the Nextrip cube signs. There will be 3,000 of these installed along the system's top lines, each features braille stop ID numbers.
An illustration of the Nextrip braille plaque design.
Illustration of the locations of the Nextrip signage in relation to current signage.
Categories: Inside Metro, Projects, Technology
I agree with the others that this system is an improvement but I have had various problems especially at night in using the 511 systen.
I do have cell phones but not SMARTPHONE types.
I have been at presentations of the system at Governance Council Meetings by Mr. Martinez one of the engineers and I hope to contact him soon about some of my concerns.
In addition to including Braille – many seniors have failing eyesight – low vision – and become legally blind due to a number of factors forcing them into public transportation. The do not learn Braille at that point in their lives.
I suggest that Metro add a button that when pressed will offer the information by the spoken word.
These look great. In regards to standard bus signs, I think a major improvement would be more color coding with the red, orange, blue, and silver.
Great idea for the signs.
I think the QR codes should be left at eye level, but the other Nextrip info (stop number and such) could be placed at the top and closer to the line information.
The current line information signs must stay as they are. The only things that could be added are the street information and span of service, such as what San Francisco Muni has.
It’s great to see Metro going to these lengths to inform riders of Nextrip, it’s a very valuable tool. Having a better idea of bus arrival makes taking the bus significantly less frustrating.
This signage is important for those who don’t have a smart phone and are texting instead. Makes it easier to find the stop ID and know what to do with it.