Project

WMATA – Washington D.C.

For the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in Washington, D.C., comprehensive work was conducted to enhance wayfinding and passenger information throughout the extensive Metrorail system. As part of a consortium of design consultants to WMATA, the focus centered on system-wide improvements to enhance wayfinding at complex urban stations where multiple lines intersect and passenger volumes are highest. A thorough review of wayfinding, identification, and passenger information was conducted for high-volume central business district stations, resulting in a pilot program for signage improvements at a selected station. This work addressed the challenges passengers face when navigating one of the nation’s busiest and most complex rail transit systems.

The work also included updates to signage forms and layouts to improve clarity and consistency across the system. Updates to brand identification were developed to modernize WMATA’s visual presence while maintaining the iconic design elements that riders associate with the Metro system. The development of “new era” signage and information was created for new stations being added to the network, ensuring that expansion projects maintained visual consistency with the existing system while incorporating improved wayfinding principles. Through an IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract structure, various projects were completed that collectively enhanced the passenger experience across WMATA’s rail network.

Services Provided

• System-wide wayfinding improvements
• Station signage review and analysis
• High-volume CBD station wayfinding studies
• Pilot program development for signage improvements
• Signage forms and layouts updates
• Brand identification updates
• Passenger information design
• “New era” signage development for new stations
• Station identification systems
• Platform and directional signage
• Wayfinding program for complex urban stations
• Design standards and consistency maintenance
• Multi-line intersection wayfinding solutions
• IDIQ contract project management