LTA unveils innovative wayfinding system for pedestrians and cyclists

Credit: Land Transport Authority

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced that it has launched a pilot programme for a cutting-edge wayfinding system. The initiative, set to commence in December 2023, will be implemented in the Central area and Yishun, in Singapore, aiming to simplify navigation for pedestrians and cyclists while evaluating the effectiveness of this approach.

A total of 35 signs, including Kiosk, Totem and Fingerpost designs, will be strategically placed in these two locations to create a comprehensive wayfinding network. The signs will feature physical markers and familiar wayfinding icons, providing users with clear directions to essential amenities such as MRT stations, bus stops, cycling paths and major landmarks.

Since December 2020, LTA has actively engaged residents, visitors and various stakeholders in a series of street surveys, workshops, focus group discussions and roadshows. This inclusive approach allowed the authority to gather valuable feedback and insights into the navigation experiences of the community.

Preliminary ideas generated through these engagements, including improvements to iconography, map scale and colour schemes, have been incorporated into the design and placement of the signage for the pilot. This iterative design process ensures that the wayfinding system is tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community that it serves.

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The wayfinding system introduces three distinct types of signs: Kiosk, Totem and Fingerpost. Kiosk and totem signs will display nearby destinations within the wider and immediate vicinity, offering supplementary information on the location of key facilities. The fingerpost sign serves as supplementary signage to confirm that users are heading in the correct direction.

The success of the pilot programme holds significant implications for the future of urban navigation. If proven successful, the wayfinding system will become an integral part of the Island-wide Cycling Network and will be incorporated into the Friendly Streets initiative.

Furthermore, depending on the outcomes of the pilot, LTA envisions the development of guidelines outlining standards and best practices for street-level wayfinding signage design and placement. This could potentially revolutionise the approach to urban navigation, setting a new standard for accessibility in urban environments.