Finding Transit

How better maps can make the Bay Area transit system easier to understand and navigate

Policy Brief

In many of the world’s best transit systems, the local transit map has taken on iconic status — but we can’t say the same for the Bay Area. Each of the region's 27 transit operators develops its own maps, using a wide range of styles, symbols, graphics and language.

Research shows that well-designed transit maps can increase ridership and improve passengers’ understanding of the transit system. SPUR’s latest paper offers recommendations for creating better maps that can make the Bay Area transit system easier to understand, navigate — and use.