Should MARTA switch to a more geographically accurate map?

[primaltech]

The MARTA train lines are the useless clutter. Atlanta's real transit system map should be a map of the highways and major arterials, with some major destinations and city names called out. And just a big Uber and Lyft logo.

[MattCW]

mta.info | MTA Subway Map
https://www.dart.org/maps/pdfmaps/DA...Map27aug18.pdf
https://www.transitchicago.com/asset..._SystemMap.pdf
https://www.wmata.com/schedules/maps...System-Map.pdf (just the Beltway)
https://trimet.org/maps/img/trimetsystem.png
https://kingcounty.gov/~/media/depts...em-map-central


All of those show highways and even regular roads(!!) in some fashion.

[architect77]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

I was just watching this video about the short-lived map that the New York Subway adopted in the 70s, the same time period our MARTA map dates from. Like MARTA's, it was easy to read, asethetically pleasing, but completely geographically inaccurate. It was so unpopular that it was replaced by the end of the 70s with a more geographically accurate map.

Our system is pretty simple now, but as it expands, should MARTA keep the stylized map, or adopt one that reflects urban geography?

NYC is grid-based and a misleading grid-like map could be misconstrued if interpreted too literally.

MARTA's diagrammatic route lines are easy and fast to understand.

The grayed out interstate lines could benefit from more realism though.


Ask yourself, are the little curves on the route lines adding any information helpful?



I say no, it's not like people are cognizant while riding of the curves the train it making.


Most of the population isn't aware of the cardinal directions at any given time, so I think more detail detracts from the efficacy of the marta route maps/

[architect77]

Originally Posted by jsvh

The Atlanta City Design map is easy to figure out and it has no freeways on it.

The MARTA route maps do show the interstates grayed out in the background, though the shape is way off.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by primaltech

The MARTA train lines are the useless clutter. Atlanta's real transit system map should be a map of the highways and major arterials, with some major destinations and city names called out. And just a big Uber and Lyft logo.

[architect77]

Originally Posted by jsvh

I was not suggesting that as a replacement for a transit map.

But most tourists taking transit are not going to be using Atlanta highways to orientate themselves.

Visitors to Atlanta are far MORE dependent on the interstates to orient themselves.

And the NYC subway map has streets and other things in the background.

It’s a waste of everybody’s time to continue posting such narrowly-focused, all or nothing ideas. This is what’s wrong with Congress too. Please stop.

[cqholt]

Even NYC Subway map has freeways on it.
http://web.mta.info/nyct/maps/subway_map.pdf

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by architect77

Visitors to Atlanta are far MORE dependent on the interstates to orient themselves.

And the NYC subway map has streets and other things in the background.

It’s a waste of everybody’s time to continue posting such narrowly-focused, all or nothing ideas. This is what’s wrong with Congress too. Please stop.

But all-or-nothing is the best way to govern. /s