Spatial Orientation in a Subway System

Abstract

The absence of a clear structural legibility within the New York City subway system tends to make its users dependent on other informational aids about its structural design and operations-such as signs, announcements, and especially the official New York City subway map and guide. The effectiveness of the New York City subway guide was tested by assigning 20 Ss a travel route which consisted of four trip-segments of varying difficulty. Of the total 80 trip segments, only 37 were traveled via acceptable (as determined by authors) solutions, with subjects having more difficulty planning acceptable solutions for more complex trip-segments. Interviews revealed that subjects felt insecure traveling the subway because the graphics in the system did not serve to reinforce their train selections. The findings suggest that the New York City subway system needs an improved map to guide its passengers as well as better systemwide graphics.

Style versus Service? An Analysis of User Perceptions of Transit Stops and Stations

“…Out-of-vehicle travel time valuation also has been found to be influenced by transit user characteristics, such as users' familiarity with the city, transit system, given line, and given stop, as well as the physical condition of the traveler, whether the traveler is late for work or an appointment, and whether the traveler can otherwise use the waiting time productively (Bronzaft, Dobrow, and O´Hanlon 1976;Reynolds and Hixson 1992;Woyciechowicz and Shliselberg 2005;Lacy and Bonsall 2001;Dziekan, Schlag, and Jünger 2004;Dziekan and Vermeulen 2006;Dziekan and Kottenhoff 2007;Dziekan 2008;Balcombe et al 2004). …”

What do people know about their public transport options?

“…Often, the reported alternatives were simple variations on the already used multi-modal trip, whereby the rail component, which was the primary part of the multi-modal trip made by the travellers surveyed, was constant and only the mode for the feeder trips varied (Hoogendoorn-Lanser 2005). Bronzaft et al (1976) analysed the nature of the orientation problems of the user of the New York City metro and evaluated a metro guide as an aid in this orientation. They found that the subjects, who had to make several metro trips, relied on their limited metro experience and selected ''indirect'' routes rather than looking for more acceptable ones (Bronzaft et al 1976).…”

“…Bronzaft et al (1976) analysed the nature of the orientation problems of the user of the New York City metro and evaluated a metro guide as an aid in this orientation. They found that the subjects, who had to make several metro trips, relied on their limited metro experience and selected ''indirect'' routes rather than looking for more acceptable ones (Bronzaft et al 1976).…”

Advance in Environment, Behavior, and Design

“…Unfortunately, only a few studies have examined orientation and navigation in cities. Bronzaft, Dobrow, and O'Hanlon (1976) conducted an experimental study that demonstrated the difficulties people may have. The subjects participating in the study were asked to make trips through the New York City subway system.…”