Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission – TRANSIT INFORMATION AIDS 1969

Description

The Transit Information Aids Demonstration Project (1964–1969), led by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission with Sidney Hollander & Associates and D.C. Transit and funded by HHFA/DOT, tested whether improved information aids would increase transit use and knowledge. Conducted in five phases (organization/surveys, design, production/installation, testing, evaluation), designers created bus stop markers, side-of-bus route indicators, timetable folders, a proposed mechanical destination roller, a transit map and an electronic kiosk; only markers, side indicators and 150,000 timetable folders were produced. Installations included about 310 stop markers and route indicators on 29 buses. Field tests (Jan–July 1967) showed timetable possession rose (44% to 58% overall; Benning 20% to 41%), riders adopt new aids, and most riders use a few repeat routes suggesting aids should target regular users. Side indicators were helpful but difficult to scale; stop markers were costly (~$49.61 each) and vulnerable to vandalism and moisture. Many hypotheses remained inconclusive due to limited production, short test periods and external events. The report recommends broader, longer trials (notably of a metropolitan transit map).