To be honest I have never really done public transportation except buses to and from Florida State, work and home when I was at college. Now the city brings a whole world of craziness.
First off I walked in not knowing which way to go up the stairs because there were no arrows or signs. Then once I went to buy a ticket I went up to the booth because the booths were not visible when you first walk in. The guy in the booth was rude and couldn't really direct me because he was busy on his phone. So then I called a friend who pointed me to the ticket booths which were around the corner. I then went back to the entrance and had to push through the doors to get in. Once you are at this point the stairs take you down to the platform.
Once you are on the platform there are more visible letters to show you which side the train is on etc. This is a lot better set up than the entrance.
There is nothing to engaging when you are in the subway but the actual people that are in them. I saw a bird on a leash on a guys shoulder and a small girl dancing around. This was the only entertainment available. The design needs some minor changes and some of the stations need to renovated. The cohesiveness and unity needs to be updated as well.
Information design for the NYC subway system is abysmal at best. You can get maps but good luck trying to see any signs besides the letters on the signs outside!
ReplyDeleteI think NYC transit is only worried about the residents of the city who know how to use the system already, and outsiders are left to take a cab where they want to go.
I have been to NYC more than a few times in my life, and have learned to look everything up online and plan ahead before trying to figure out where everything is once I've left the safety and comfort of my hotel! I have made the mistake in the past of trying to find maps once I have left and if you aren't cell phone literate, you will get lost!
I wish you luck as you continue to ride this, and I hope NYC has some sort of plans to make it better!
Jenn Powers
This is a very interesting post. I too would have been confused by this set-up. I, personally, have never ridden on a train much less been to New York City. The light up maps seem like a nice touch, but should be extended to the rest of the subway system.
ReplyDeleteKatina LaSalle
I have been in NYC subway once, I was scared to death because I had no idea what I was doing. it was while ago and belive back then everything was color coded. i found it to be very confusing to understand for someone who has never used the subway. I dont think when they designed this they had outsiders in mind
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