Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago) – INTERAGENCY SIGNS DESIGN STANDARDS 2020

Description

The RTA Interagency Signage Standards Manual establishes a unified wayfinding and passenger-information system for Chicago’s six-county region to improve transfers among CTA, Metra, Pace and other operators. Developed collaboratively with agencies and municipalities, it prescribes standardized sign types (station IDs, maps, bus-stop/boarding signs, directional, route schematics, timetables), digital templates (InDesign/Illustrator), Helvetica typography, a specified color palette, symbols, and technical fabrication/mounting requirements. Design goals emphasize clarity, concise messaging, accessibility continuity, placement at decision points, and safety. Procedures require site verification, GIS-backed message schedules, RTA review at programming/design/implementation, and adherence to Technical Specifications. Detailed sections cover freestanding pylons, wall mounts, CWS snap frames, bus times/boarding graphics (XML schedule import), neighborhood/route maps, directional wall/overhead/street signs, materials, UV-resistant prints, anti-graffiti overlaminates, tamper-resistant hardware, and mounting methods. The Manual includes station/line lists, transfer and accessibility rules, logo/header/footer rules, production workflows, revision history, and mandatory RTA approval of new art.