For commuters stranded in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, information regarding public transport in the vicinity would be very helpful.
Taking cognisance of this issue faced by residents, Chennai Metro Rail — that is gearing up for its launch in just about two months — has decided to put up signage near its stations soon.
“Boards will be put up about 50-100 metres around Metro Rail stations to help commuters. This will be installed as soon as the construction of stations is complete,” an official of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) says.
These boards will be initially installed along the 10-km stretch between Koyambedu and Alandur. This stretch is likely to be thrown open for commuter services in March, he adds.
Besides having easy-to-use signage in the Metro Rail stations, it is important to install pedestrian-scale way- finding signs in the surrounding neighbourhoods, Christopher Kost, technical director with Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), says.
“Cities including New York and London have begun implementing such signage to help commuters locate nearby landmarks, rapid transit stations, and cycle sharing kiosks,” he adds. Closer home, Bangalore has put up simple sign boards pointing the way to the closest Metro Rail station.
“Also, signage for the Metro Rail system should be integrated with the Corporation of Chennai’s bus shelter backdrops in order to present all of the city’s public transport modes as part of an integrated system,” Mr. Kost says.
