Barba and Ritvo – GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING TRANSIT INFORMATION SYSTEMS 1972

Description

Authored by Rose A. Barba and Steven Rittvo in August 1972, this substantial 109-page document from the New York State Department of Transportation, Planning Research Unit, offers foundational “Guidelines for Developing Transit Information Systems.” As Report PRR 30, it provides detailed, research-backed recommendations for transit system managers and planners on essential patron information components. This includes comprehensive and schematic transit maps, route schedules, bus stop signs, vehicle destination markers, and telephone information services. The report is richly illustrated with 25 figures, showcasing examples of typefaces, map designs, timetables, and sign configurations, offering practical insights into graphic presentation and visual perception for its time. Despite its age, it remains a significant historical resource, reflecting a holistic approach to transit communication and setting a benchmark for understanding effective public information strategies in urban mass transportation.