Iconic WMATA style to receive makeover

[Ryan]

I'm not sure how I feel about the change - if the stations are sufficiently lit, the current style works very well. Sadly, the lighting (like the rest of the system) is in a sad state of disrepair.

Personally, I think that they should be focusing their resources on the important things like not derailing, running on time, not breaking down... The cosmetic stuff just sounds like lipstick on a pig.

http://dcist.com/2013/04/bethesda_will_soon_boast_metro_stat.php

Even some of Metro's iconic characteristics will see changesstainless steel and gray paneling will replace Metro's traditional brown, while kiosks and pylons will be thinner and taller than they are now. More faregates that will feature new technology will allow for faster entry and exit, while signage will be clearer and less cluttered.

 

[Tracktwentynine]

If WMATA is thinking about redesigning stations, they should focus on wayfinding. It's pretty poor on the current system, and I don't think the Bethesda design does much to improve on it.

Of course, WMATA has a history of doing this. They pick one station and do a "prototype". And then they never change anything else anywhere else. For example, Gallery Place was a test site for new signage. And it's pretty good. But then Gallery Place essentially has different signs, which never seem to get expanded to other stations.

Now we get to go through another round of testing, which will probably never get expanded either.

Meanwhile, at Fort Totten (a transfer station), there is not a single sign on the Red Line platform referencing the Green/Yellow Line or directing people to it. And downstairs, on the Green/Yellow level, there are only 2 signs referencing the Red Line, both right above the stair/escalator (so you have to find that first, which the signs don't help you with).

 

[afigg]

I'm not sure how I feel about the change - if the stations are sufficiently lit, the current style works very well. Sadly, the lighting (like the rest of the system) is in a sad state of disrepair.
Personally, I think that they should be focusing their resources on the important things like not derailing, running on time, not breaking down... The cosmetic stuff just sounds like lipstick on a pig.

The DC Metro is in the middle of a major $5 billion 6 year capital improvement and maintenance program. That is what the frequent weekend track work service interruptions and delays are about. I've noticed that several of the downtown stations have had major improvements in interior lighting in recent months in terms of visible changes. The problem is that there are 3 or 4 years to go in the night and weekend track and station repair surge.

On the station makeover, I don't see the reason for going to a more stainless steel and glass look. For one, those will be more surfaces that will need to be cleaned, but go years between cleaning. Nothing wrong with the current design look to the stations. I rather WMATA spent station improvement funds on better lighting, better wayfinding signs throughout the system, pick up the pace on replacing the escalators, and significant access improvements such as additional entrances and the long proposed Farragut Sq pedestrian tunnel.

Good thing the Metro suspended the track work for the Cherry Blossom (& spring break) period. On Wednesday April 10, Metro had its 4th busiest day ever with 870 thousand passengers. Combination of peak day for the Cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin, Nationals and Wizards home games, and a political rally near Capitol Hill.

 

[Anderson]

Honestly, stainless steel and concrete tend not to mix well in terms of visuals. The mix of white/silver/grey in that art (though it's just art and I suspect the end result will look a bit better) gives me a mild headache...too much reflectivity, I suspect.