Mapping the Screens at 7th Street / Metro Center

April 24, 2013 11 Comments

Over the past few months, a number of screens have been added to the upper level of the 7th Street / Metro Center station. Since the Expo Line opened a year ago, there are now four lines sharing this station, and the screens show departure information for the Blue and Expo Lines (which are on the upper level), and the Red and Purple Lines (on the lower level).

Unfortunately, many of these screens have been added in less-than-useful places or show less-than-useful information.

Take, for example, these two screens that show you departure times on your way out of the station (presumably, after you’ve gotten off of the train), rather than on your way in.

On the left is the view as you exit the station toward Figueroa. There's two screens telling you train departure times. Meanwhile, those entering the station (view on the right) see a blank space with no information.

On the left is the view as you exit the station toward Figueroa. There are two screens showing you train departure times. Meanwhile, those entering the station (view on the right) see a blank space with no information.

Every day, when I get off the Expo Line and prepare to transfer to the Red Line, I (and a mad rush of commuters) practically run over to the stairs to peer down at the lower level in hopes that my train is not already sitting there, ready to close its doors as I’m stuck in a crowd trying to make my way downstairs. Every day, hanging from the ceiling just above me are two screens, both of which show departure times for Expo Line, which I just got off.

I’ve always thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be nice if that screen showed the Red Line times instead?” Then, I could simply look up and know that my train wouldn’t be leaving for another 4 minutes and I’d have no reason to rush, letting those who did need to hurry tap their cards and get down the stairs before me. I started looking around the station and I realized there are a ton of screens, but they often show riders info for the lines they just got off, rather than the lines they might be going to.

So I decided to map out the screens and try to determine a more useful way to display the same information, just by changing what is on each screen.

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Thoughts on Washington, D.C.

January 21, 2013 Leave a comment

It’s been far too long since I’ve written anything here. Mainly because I’ve been busy traveling a lot (In fact, I’m sitting in a hotel lobby in Aspen right now), but when I travel, I ride transit and I explore. And when I ride transit and explore cities and towns, I always end up with things to write about.

I spent a week in Washington, D.C. back in December, working on the National Christmas Tree Lighting. It was the first show I’ve ever worked where the production office had a metro map in it so that staff knew how to get around. I had some time to do exploring on my own in the evening or during breaks, so here’s what I thought…

Airport

The arrivals level of Dulles Airport is one the best I’ve ever seen. Architecture firm Gensler has promoted the idea of arrivals being on the top level (at most airports, arrivals are below departures) so that you welcome visitors to your city with wider views and a typically nicer atmosphere compared to the loud and cramped pickup areas, under an overhang, you get at most airports. For backend airport operations it’s typically easier to have arrivals on the lower level, but Dulles Airport accomplishes the open, clean, welcome feeling of an upper level, while still actually being on the lower level.

This is the view upon exiting the arrivals area at Dulles Airport. Nice, wide, and open (not underneath an upper level).

This is the view upon exiting the arrivals area at Dulles Airport. Nice, wide, and open (not underneath an upper level).

When I first exited the airport, I was amazed and thought I was on top. I could see for miles, above the central parking garages and in the open air. It wasn’t until I followed the entrance road around with my eyes that I realized the departures level actually was above me… but it was also BEHIND me.

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Metro Adds Dash Signs to Expo and Blue Lines

August 16, 2012 3 Comments

As I reported a few weeks ago after the Transit Coalition meeting, Metro this week rolled out their new dash signs to help clear up confusion between Expo and Blue Line trains.

The signs are a cheap, easy way to make things a little clearer for passengers trying to get on the right train.

The new Blue Line dash sign in the front window of the train, in addition to the destination sign on top, helps passengers identify it as the train approaches.

They are, however, limited to help only passengers who see the front of the train as it approaches. They’re nice and clear when outside in the sun and should be great for the Pico stop, though they’re a bit harder to see on the dark platform at 7th Street / Metro Center. Also, trains are often already sitting at the platform at 7th Street, so you won’t see it approach before getting on.

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In a Rush or Need a Rush? Stop at Rush Snack Bar

September 22, 2011 4 Comments

One night not too long ago I realized a terrible thing. I was out of breakfast food for the next morning. I was quickly saved from my predicament, however, when I remembered that Rush Snack Bar had recently opened in the 7th Street / Metro Center portal on Hope Street. Conveniently, this is the station I get off at every morning, so all I had to do was exit a different portal and I could have a breakfast and try a new place.

I had left with plenty of time that morning, so my experience wasn’t one of being in a rush… but it could have if needed. The menu of $1 items on the wall, plus bagels (although I wish they had blueberry and a bagel toaster — they could solve my Downtown bagel problem), pastries, and drinks could have had me in and out in barely longer than a minute or two. Instead, though, I went with a waffle. Sure, it takes a little longer to make, but the staff was extremely friendly and I had some time. Plus, take a look at this picture and tell me you wouldn’t be glad if you chose the same:

A freshly made waffle and bottle of fizzy Orangina made for a great breakfast while I people watched out the window to the subway portal.

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