Multi-Modal Navigation Tools
Improving User Information For Walking, Cycling and Public Transit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
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Updated 4 January 2009
This chapter describes wayfinding improvements and other multi-modal navigation tools that provide guidance for walking, cycling, driving and public transit use.
Multi-modal Navigation Tools can include signs, maps, guidebooks,
website and electronic devices that provide information on travel options to a
particular destination, including pedestrian access, routes, schedules, fares,
connections, services, real time arrival information, and key contact
information. They can include Travel-time Maps that indicate the time
needed to travel to a particular destination by different modes (Lightfoot and
Steinberg, 2006). Navigation
Tools can be tailored to for specific types of users or trips, such as commuters,
tourists and other visitors, and people with disabilities. To be effective,
these tools should anticipate travelers needs, providing desired information
when users need it in formats that are easy to access and understand (Levinger
and McGehee, 2008).
For example,
travelers should be easily able to:
·
Find transportation service providers’ customer service
website and telephone numbers.
·
Plan a route from a particular origin to a destination.
·
Read route maps, schedules, fares and contact information
in printed materials and signs.
·
Find guidance for walking to and from bus stops and train
stations.
·
Determine when the next bus or train will arrive.
·
Navigate within a bus or train station, including finding
the correct platform and services such as washrooms, refreshments and
telephones.
Intelligent Transportation Systems can provide navigation information through mobile telephones and other handheld devices that can access the Internet, determine their own location using GPS capabilities, and provide services such as automatic electronic payment of Transit and Taxi fares, Public Bike rentals, and Parking. These can access websites that provide maps and transit service information, including routes, schedules, fares and real-time bus or train arrival information (www.nextbus.com). Many newer mobile telephones have can determine their own location, and so can guide users who would otherwise be lost.
Wayfinding refers to people’s (particularly pedestrian’s) ability to navigate
through an area, and to signs,
maps, electronic devices, and other information resources that help orient
visitors. Wayfinding is particularly important when people walk or cycle
through an unfamiliar area, and for traveling through transportation terminals
such as bus and train stations, and airports (AIGA,
2005; Muhlhausen, 2005).
A Multi-Modal Access Guide (also called a Transportation Access Guide) is a document that provides concise, customized information on how to access a particular destination by various travel modes, with special consideration of efficient modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. Such a guide typically includes:
· A map of the area, showing the destination, major roads, nearby landmarks, the closest rail station or bus stops, and recommended cycling and walking routes.
· Information about transit service frequency, fares, first and last runs, and public transportation schedules if possible; plus phone numbers and web addresses for transit service providers and taxi companies. Special transit schedule information can be provided for Events that start and end at specified times.
· Information on how long it takes to walk from transit stations, downtown area and other reference locations to your site. (e.g., “We are twenty minutes by bus from the airport, and five minutes by bike from downtown”).
· Information on how to reach the destination from major transportation terminals (bus and train stations, airports, ferry terminals, etc.). For example, a Guide might include information on airport shuttle services and transit access.
· Access arrangements for people with disabilities on public transport routes and at train stations (Universal Access).
· Availability of Bicycle Facilities, including secure bike parking, showers and change facilities.
· Automobile Parking availability and price.
Navigation Tools can range from a simple map printed on the back of business cards or event invitations, to a special brochure, map, Internet page or comprehensive information packet. This information can also be incorporated into other printed documents, including business cards, invitations, letterhead, brochures and catalogues. They can be included in welcome kits provided to new employees, with information on telework and flextime policies as well as travel options. Navigation Tools may include bicycle and transit maps, or information on how to obtain such maps. Some Guides intentionally exclude information on automobile access and vehicle parking options to discourage driving.
Navigation Tools should be designed for various types of users, which may include staff, customers and clients, tourists and other visitors, conference attendees, delivery services, and people with disabilities. Different information resources may be needed to accommodate different types of users, including special versions for people with disabilities, who speak a different language, who travel by a particular mode, or who travel from a particular area.
Developing Multi-Modal Navigation Tools can be an opportunity to identify ways to improve mobility options to your destination. For example, while gathering information for a Guide you might find that it is currently difficult to walk from a nearby transit station to your site because sidewalks are in disrepair, that a shelter is needed at the closest bus stop, or that there is no secure place for visitors to store a bicycle. Guides should be revised as access options change (hopefully for the better).
Navigation Tools can be developed by transport planning agencies, transit agencies facility managers, or a Transportation Management Association. This information can be incorporated into existing documents, such as brochures and invitations. All staff who work with clients and visitors should be familiar with multi-modal access options so they can advise callers on how to arrive by various modes.
Multi-Modal Navigation Tools can increase use of alternative modes and reduce automobile travel. Travel impacts vary, depending on conditions, including the quality of alternative modes and the degree to which inadequate information and encouragement limits their use. One case study found that providing high quality Navigation Tools resulted in a 17% shift from automobile to walking, cycling or transit as employees’ primary commute mode (RTA, 2003). This probably represents the higher end of travel impacts, since it applied when a worksite location was moving. Relatively large impacts may be achieved if Navigation Tools are implemented as part of comprehensive TDM programs that include a variety of improved travel services, incentives and marketing activities. For more information on the travel impacts of improved user information see TDM Marketing.
Table 1 Travel Impact Summary
|
Objective |
Rating |
Comments |
|
Reduces total
traffic. |
2 |
Supports use of
alternative modes. |
|
Reduces peak
period traffic. |
2 |
" |
|
Shifts peak to
off-peak periods. |
1 |
May include information on flextime. |
|
Shifts
automobile travel to alternative modes. |
2 |
Supports use of
alternative modes. |
|
Improves access,
reduces the need for travel. |
3 |
" |
|
Increased
ridesharing. |
2 |
" |
|
Increased public
transit. |
2 |
" |
|
Increased
cycling. |
2 |
" |
|
Increased
walking. |
2 |
" |
|
Increased
Telework. |
1 |
May include
information on telework options. |
|
Reduced freight
traffic. |
1 |
May include
information on delivery options. |
Rating from 3
(very beneficial) to –3 (very harmful). A 0 indicates no impact or mixed
impacts.
By improving travel options and supporting use of more efficient travel modes, Multi-Modal Navigation Tools tend to support virtually all TDM objectives. Their cost is usually limited to the financial cost of producing this materials, and some of these costs can often be incorporated into existing document and website production budgets. Navigation Tool production costs are often repaid many times over for a particular organization (e.g., business or campus) if they result in even a small reduction in automobile trips and parking demand.
Table 2 Benefit Summary
|
Objective |
Rating |
Comments |
|
Congestion
Reduction |
2 |
Supports use of
alternative modes. |
|
Road &
Parking Savings |
2 |
" |
|
Consumer Savings |
2 |
" |
|
Transport Choice |
3 |
" |
|
Road Safety |
2 |
" |
|
Environmental
Protection |
2 |
" |
|
Efficient Land
Use |
2 |
" |
|
Community
Livability |
2 |
" |
Rating from 3
(very beneficial) to –3 (very harmful). A 0 indicates no impact or mixed
impacts.
By improving travel options, Multi-Modal Navigation Tools tend to help achieve equity objectives. They can be particularly beneficial to people with disabilities and other non-drivers.
Table 3 Equity Summary
|
Criteria |
Rating |
Comments |
|
Treats everybody
equally. |
2 |
Supports use of
alternative modes. |
|
Individuals bear
the costs they impose. |
2 |
" |
|
Progressive with
respect to income. |
3 |
" |
|
Benefits
transportation disadvantaged. |
3 |
" |
|
Improves basic
mobility. |
3 |
" |
Rating from 3
(very beneficial) to –3 (very harmful). A 0 indicates no impact or mixed
impacts.
Multi-Modal Navigation Tools can be implemented by virtually any type of organization, but are particularly appropriate for TMAs, businesses and Campuses which attract large numbers of visitors, and are located in areas with diverse travel options.
Table 4 Application Summary
|
Geographic |
Rating |
Organization |
Rating |
|
Large urban
region. |
3 |
Federal
government. |
1 |
|
High-density,
urban. |
3 |
State/provincial
government. |
2 |
|
Medium-density,
urban/suburban. |
3 |
Regional
government. |
2 |
|
Town. |
2 |
Municipal/local
government. |
2 |
|
Low-density,
rural. |
2 |
Business
Associations/TMA. |
3 |
|
Commercial
center. |
3 |
Individual
business. |
3 |
|
Residential
neighborhood. |
3 |
Developer. |
3 |
|
Resort/recreation
area. |
3 |
Neighborhood
association. |
2 |
|
College/university
communities. |
3 |
Campus. |
3 |
Ratings range from
0 (not appropriate) to 3 (very appropriate).
Multi-Modal Navigation Tools Increase Travel Options
Multi-Modal Navigation Tools support and are supported by a wide range of TDM strategies, including Transit Encouragement Programs, Walking and Cycling Encouragement, Nonmotorized Transportation Planning, TDM Marketing, Commute Trip Reduction programs, Special Event Transport Management, Tourist Transport Management, Parking Management, Campus Transport Management, Transit Oriented Development, Location Efficient Development and New Urbanism.
Multi-Modal Navigation Tools development usually involves local planners, facility managers, transit agencies and user groups (e.g., a local cycling organization).
Common barriers include a lack of leadership and funding, and ignorance by top decision-makers about alternative modes.
Multi-Modal Navigation Tools should be concise and easy to use. Consider the needs and abilities of different types of visitors. Survey visitors to determine how they currently travel, what they know about their transport options to your site, and any transportation barriers they face.
Stakeholders should be involved in developing Multi-modal Navigation Tools. Produce draft materials. Ask stakeholders to review them and suggest improvements. These stakeholders may include:
· Staff who will use and distribute travel information, such as receptionists, personnel managers, sales staff, event organisers.
· Users, such as employees, clients, customers, delivery vehicle drivers, event participants, and others.
· Staff and visitors with disabilities.
· Public transport operators and the local planning officials.
Use graphic images as much as possible, including maps and symbols with bright colors. Coordinate Navigation Tools, for example, by using the same symbol on maps and directional signs. Provide phone numbers or web addresses for public transit and local taxi companies. A variety of information resources may be needed to accommodate different groups. Be sure to update these resources as needed.
Be as specific as possible. Provide
information on which train or bus to take, where to get off, and which street
to walk on, and where to turn. For example write, “Take the Yellow line to
Victoria Station (call 567-8910 for schedule and fare information). Trains run
every 5 minutes on weekdays, and every 15 minutes weekends and evenings. We are
a 5-minutes walk from Victoria Station. Use the
Provide encouragement. Incorporate information about using alternative modes such as walking, cycling and transit, and the benefits that result, including financial savings, reduced stress and increased physical exercise (TDM Marketing). Highlight appropriate fare discounts. For example, a Multi-modal Access Guide to a medical center might remind visitors of discounts available to seniors, while a Guide to a recreation center might remind visitors of discounts available to students.
Staff who produce information materials, such as invitations and catalogues, can have standard multi-modal guidance information ready to incorporate into documents as needed.
|
Wayfinding Is Not Signage: Signage Plays An
Important Part Of Wayfinding – But There's More By John Muhlhausen, Signs of the Times magazine Even though signage plays an important role in wayfinding, the process doesn't rely exclusively on signs. The term "wayfinding" was first used in 1960 by architect Kevin Lynch in The Image of the City, where he referred to maps, street numbers, directional signs and other elements as "way-finding" devices. This narrow description may explain the current misunderstanding that wayfinding is essentially the same as "signage." The two terms are not synonymous. Signmakers deal with designing, fabricating and installing signs. However, wayfinding used to navigate unfamiliar environments, doesn't rely exclusively on signs. This distinction gained acceptance in the early '70s when researchers discovered that, to understand how people find their way, they first need to understand the underlying process. Architect and environmental psychologist Romedi Passini articulated spatial problem-solving in his books, Wayfinding in Architecture and Wayfinding, People, Signs and Architecture, which he co-authored with wayfinding planner Paul Arthur. Passini and Arthur described wayfinding as a two-stage process during which people must solve a wide variety of problems in architectural and urban spaces that involve both "decision making" (formulating an action plan) and "decision executing" (implementing the plan). People who find themselves in unfamiliar environments need to know where they actually are in the complex, the layout of the complex, and the location of their destination in order to formulate their action plans. En route to their chosen destinations, people are helped or hindered prior to their visit, the building's architecture and signage. The physical environment, including positive effect in how users perceive the wayfinding system--if it seems easy to use or not. Faulty sign design can cause navigation problems in unfamiliar environments. Some signs lack "conspicuity," or visibility, because lettering lacks legibility when viewed from a distance. Others contain inaccurate, ambiguous or unfamiliar messages; many are obscured by obstructions or contain reflective surfaces, which hinder comprehension. Consequently, many people don't read signs--often it's easier to ask for directions. Because wayfinding problems aren't confined to signs alone, they typically can't be solved by adding more signs. Instead, such problems can be unraveled by designing an environment that identifies logical traffic patterns that enable people to move easily from one spot to another without confusion. Signs cannot be a panacea for poor architecture and illogical space planning. Four Elements Wayfinding needs are best resolved during initial planning stages through a collaborative effort by all design professionals--architects, designers and signmakers--to address a project's total environmental communication. The primary generator of environmental communication, architecture delineates spatial organization, destination zones and information sequencing--factors that spell wayfinding's success or failure. Effective architectural wayfinding clues, provided by roads, building layouts, corridors and lighting, furnish cognitive maps that allow people to quickly grasp the environment. To furnish architectural clues: · Clearly identify arrival points. · Provide convenient parking and accessible walkways located adjacent to each public entry. · Locate information desks within each public entry visible from the front door. · Place elevator lobbies so they can be seen upon entering the building. · Use consistent lighting, floor coverings and architectural finishes in primary public corridor systems. · Situate memorable landmarks along corridors and at key decision points. · Design public waiting areas that are visually open to corridors. · Distinguish public from non-public corridors by using varied finishes, colors and lighting · Harmonize floor numbers between connecting buildings. Graphic Communication Graphics, such as signs, color coding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites, provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information. To achieve effective graphic communication: · Standardize names for all buildings, services and destinations, and display them consistently on all graphics applications. · Use easily understood "plain" language. · Size messages and signs appropriately for viewing distances. · Select letterforms and color combinations that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (see New Face to ADA). · Furnish generous spacing between letters, words and message lines. · Provide standardized "you are here" maps of the project that include an overall map of the complex and more detailed maps of specific areas. · Train attendants to mark individualized paths on hand-held maps for lost or disoriented visitors. · Place maps at all parking exits, building entrances and major interior decision points. · Orient maps with building layouts, such as denoting on maps that "up is ahead." · Establish consistency in sign placements and graphics layouts. · Code areas by using color and memorable graphics. · Use established pictographs with words to facilitate comprehension of written messages. · Establish a floor numbering system that relates to a building's main entry and indicate on directories which floors are above and below grade. Audible Communication Audible communication, as interpreted through verbal instructions, PA systems, elevator chimes and water fountains, plays an important role in wayfinding. Recognizing that 50% of the American population is functionally illiterate (according to a recent study published by the U.S. Department of Education) and that another 15% possess other perceptual or cognitive impairments, audible communication fills an important role in any wayfinding solution. To establish effective audible communication: · Install audible sounds at signaled intersections to indicate safe times to cross the street. · At all public entries and information desks, provide attendants trained as professional greeters who are thoroughly familiar with the facility. · Furnish self-help telephones at all information desks. · Provide patient-transport personnel whose purpose is to guide visitors to their destinations. · Standardize names for all buildings, services and destinations, and use them consistently in verbal communication. · Equip elevators with audible chimes. · Position audible landmarks, such as water fountains, at waiting areas. · Employ audible signs to help locate information desks, elevators, rest rooms and other key destinations. Tactile Communication Tactile communication, achieved by raised letters, Braille, knurled door knobs and textured floor coverings assists all visitors, not only the disabled. To incorporate tactual devices into a wayfinding system: · Establish "shorelines" and "trails" between major destinations and information areas using materials having differing resiliency's, such as concrete and carpet. · Install "rumble strips" at the landings of stairs and escalators. · Furnish knurled door knobs at all non-public doors. · Provide a raised star symbol on elevator control panels to indicated the ground floor. · Supply raised letters and Grade 2 Braille at elevators and on signs identifying permanent destinations. · Install interactive audio-tactile maps at public entrance lobbies. Consistent Clues Architects, designers and signmakers must work together from the beginning of a project to create a total environmental statement that provides consistent clues. So, the next time a client asks for wayfinding signage. tell them that wayfinding is not signage – it's more. |
To find examples of Multi-Modal Navigation Tools, simply perform an Internet search on “directions, map, bus”.
Figure 1 illustrates a simple transit access direction map printed on the back of business cards used by RTA employees.
Figure 1 Business Card Map

This illustrates transit travel directions printed on the back of business cards.
In late 2001 staff of the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority
were relocated from offices in the
To track changes in transport use and time spent commuting, an
electronic survey was issued to all staff prior to and after the relocation. In
addition, an anonymous random selection telephone interview survey was
conducted prior to, and after the relocation to gauge staff opinions and
attitudes towards their new travel and transport arrangements and the kits.
These results indicate significant (16.7%) shifts from car to
sustainable transport as the priority commute mode for staff who relocated to
The Parent Resource Centre is located on the first floor of the
apartment building (300 Goulburn Private) at the south-west corner of Goulburn
Private and
By bus: Take bus route #16 to Chapel and Mann. Walk east on Mann one block to
Goulburn Private. If you are using the Transitway, the Parent Resource Centre
is about a ten minute walk from Lees Station
By car: If coming from the east and heading west on the Queensway, use
the Nicholas-Mann exit and take the right lane (Mann) exit. At the second set
of traffic lights, turn right at
If you are coming from the west end of
If you are not using the Queensway,
Parking: There is three-hour street parking on
If you need help with directions, call (613) 565-2467.

The Laboratory is in

A number of shuttle van companies provide service from the
Much easier than traveling by car. Allow
yourself 50 minutes for the entire trip from downtown
More information about BART, including an interactive map of the system
and its schedules, is available on the Web (www.bart.gov).
NextBus combines
Global Positioning System (GPS) data with predictive software to give public
transit passengers accurate arrival time predictions for the next few vehicles,
accessible through the Internet (including mobile telephone screens) and bus
stop signs.
This helps overcome
a major barrier to public transit use, unnecessary waiting. NextBus allows
users to decide whether to rush to a bus stop, wait, or choose another route or
mode.
|
A young man got a flat tire while driving at night on a back road. He
tried to fix it, but found that the car had no jack. Then he noticed the
light of a farmhouse farther up the road. As he walked toward it he thought
to himself, Suppose the farmer isn’t home? Suppose he won’t answer the door?
Suppose if I ask him for a jack he won’t let me borrow it? Suppose he doesn’t
trust me? Why doesn’t he like me? – The more he thought the more upset he
got. Finally he reached to the farmhouse door and knocked. When the farmer
opened the door, the young man yelled, “O.K. YOU CAN JUST KEEP YOUR OLD
JACK!” and stomped away. |
AIGA (2005), Symbol Signs, American Institute of Graphic Arts (www.aiga.org/content.cfm?ContentAlias=symbolsigns). Provides a list of 50 standard symbols for use in buildings, on streets, in transportation terminals, and other locations were people require wayfinding directions.
Bike Metro (www.bikemetro.com) identifies recommended
bicycle routes from any two addresses in
Dr. Marcus Enoch, Lian Zhang and
David Morris (2005), Organisational Structures for Implementing Travel
Plans: A Review,
IOLT (2001), Public Transport Information Websites: How To Get It Right – A Best Practices Guide, Institute of Logistics and Transport (www.iolt.org.uk).
David Levinger and Maggie McGehee (2008), “Responding to New Trends Through Innovative Design,” Community Transportation, Community Transportation Association (http://web1.ctaa.org).
Chris Lightfoot and Tom Steinberg (2006), Travel-time Maps and their Uses, My Society (www.mysociety.org/2006/travel-time-maps/index.php). This website describes how 'Travel-time Maps' can be used to indicate the time needed to travel from a particular origin to other areas, and compare accessibility by different modes.
John Muhlhausen (2005), Wayfinding Is Not Signage: Signage Plays An Important Part Of Wayfinding – But There's More, (www.signweb.com/ada/cont/wayfinding0800.html).
NextBus (www.nextbus.com) is a private company that uses Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to
provide real-time transit vehicle arrival information to passengers and
managers in various North American cities.
Project for Public Spaces and Multisystems (1999), The
Role of Transit Amenities and Vehicle Characteristics in Building Transit
Ridership, Transit Cooperative Research Program Report 46, National Academy
Press (www.trb.org).
RTA (2002), Transport Access Guides, Road and Traffic Authority, NSW (www.rta.nsw.gov.au/transportaccessguides).
RTA (2002), Producing
and Using Transport Access Guides, produced by the Road and Traffic
Authority, New South
Katherine F. Turnbull and Richard H. Pratt (2003), Transit Information and Promotion: Traveler Response to Transport System Changes, Chapter 11, Transit Cooperative Research Program Report 95; Transportation Research Board (www.trb.org).
RTA (2003), RTA Mobility Management Case Study, Roads and Traffic Authority NSW (www.rta.nsw.gov.au).
Transit Website Database (www.transitweb.its.dot.gov) catalogues transit agencies that provide information through the Internet.
TTI (1999), A Handbook of Proven Marketing Strategies for Public Transit, Transit Cooperative Research Program Report 50, National Academy Press (www.trb.org).
John Zacharias (2001), “Pedestrian Behavior and Perception in Urban Walking Environments,” Journal of Planning Literature, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 3-18.
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