Wayfinding Master Plan
After years of feedback, we’re ready to move forward with a complete redesign of the wayfinding on our rail transit network, SEPTA Metro.
Our 2021 strategic plan, SEPTA Forward, envisions a transit system that is safe and easy-to-use for all, regardless of familiarity, language, or ability. To do that, we need to provide the right information, in the right place, at the right time.
Those words set a high bar, and we know we’re currently falling short. Over the past few years, we’ve been conducting research, talking with riders, engaging stakeholders, and learning directly from the people who have the hardest time navigating our system. Now, we’re getting ready to implement some big changes, and we will have your continued engagement to thank.
Here’s a preview of what’s to come:
An accessible, simplified naming system, using letters, numbers, colors, and shapes to make our expansive transit system easy to understand no matter what language you speak, or your level of literacy.
Brand new physical signs system-wide, beginning with the SEPTA Metro lines, with bus and Regional Rail to follow. We’re taking a blank-slate approach to signage so we can eliminate inconsistencies and create a uniform transit experience throughout our system.
A new website (SEPTA.org) that is transit first, putting information about our services front and center. These changes will include an improved trip planner, better schedules, and a whole new, modern interface.
A completely redesigned SEPTA mobile app. We heard that our current app has great functionality, but its tools can be hard to find and use, especially for new riders. We’re changing that with a new, accessible, colorful design built around providing real-time information.
Improvements to how we share up-to-date service information, including advisories, alerts, detours, and more. Service disruptions are part of the day-to-day operations of a system as large and complex as SEPTA, and our riders need this information to be accurate, timely, and clear.
Noticed some new signs already?
We know these improvements can’t come soon enough, so we’ve been testing out new signage and wayfinding tools in recent months – stay tuned for lots more!
Learn more about our past recommendations, research process, and proposed improvements below:
