Geehan, Stanton, Deslauriers and Coughlin – DESIGN OF TRANSIT ROUTE GUIDES 1978

Description

“Design of Transit Route Guides: A Handbook for the Transit Manager,” published in November 1978 by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications, remains a foundational resource for enhancing public transit accessibility. Authored by Thomas E. Geehan, Raymond Stanton, and ministry researchers, this ~50-page handbook is empirically grounded in a 1976 study of five Ontario cities, addressing observed difficulties in using existing transit information. It meticulously outlines best practices for creating clear, user-friendly route maps (favoring non-schematic designs with distinct route overlays) and understandable timetables (advocating for detailed formats). The guide stresses the importance of effective graphics, strategic color use, comprehensive legends, and explicit “how-to” instructions. Complete with illustrative examples of maps and timetables, plus a detailed survey analysis, this document offers invaluable, empirically-backed guidance for improving rider confidence and promoting transit use through superior information design.