Dubai Metro: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, in collaboration with Keolis-MHI, has launched an ambitious program to update the signage at all Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram stations, enhancing the customer experience and making their journey easier. The installation and replacement of wayfinding consisting of approximately 9,000 signs located along both the Red and Green Metro lines, as well as the Tram network, involved 11,000 work hours.
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Key Enhancements in the Upgrade
The Rail Agency teams at the RTA had put together a detailed roadmap with an objective to make travel a lot smoother for both for the day-to-day passengers as well as first-time travelers. The upgrades are as follows:
- Upgraded entry and exit signage: New and improved directional signage communicates entry and exit at the stations. Exit signs have been redesigned to bright yellow-colored boxes, which enhances visibility greatly.
- Platform directional indicators: New signs and floor stickers help passengers to get to the right train lines with just in several clicks, which simplifies the working process and reduces congestion during peak hours.
- Behavioural messaging: The stickers on the hanging areas of platforms and waiting areas remind people of the etiquette, like respecting personal space, and also adopting the right behavior about using a transport facility.
The significance of this initiative was highlighted by its Director of Rail Operations at RTA Rail Agency, Hassan Al Mutawa, who emphasized, “It eases navigations, promotes flow, and increases the comfort of our passengers.”
Encouraging Public Transport Etiquette
Along with wayfinding enhancements, the project also implemented behavioral messages via stickers placed at waiting places and on platforms.
- Decent social relations with other commuters
- Respect for personal space
- General manners of using public transport
The RTA hopes to make travel environments more wholesome and comfortable through the inclusion of etiquette in the signage system.
Special Cabin Signage Improvements
To increase the effective utilization of dedicated passenger buildings, RTA has erected more markers, e.g., of the Women and Children Cabin and the Gold Class Cabin. There were existing floor markings that were convertible to large pink and gold boards clearly labelled so as to discourage unwarranted use and make these zones easily recognizable.
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Unified Communication Across All Channels
In addition to physical upgrades, the wayfinding system has been aligned with the RTA digital and audio facility. The improvements can now be seen as in:
- Audio announcements on the trains and platforms
- RTA intelligent mobile applications
- Formal social media sites
This continuity provides passengers with consistent guidance, in all forms, whether visually, digitally, or audibly, as they make their way through the system.
A Step Towards a Smarter Commuter Experience
The fact that such a large number of signs, 9,000, have been installed across Metro and Tram networks indicates a genuine dedication to providing Metro and Tram users with a more user-friendly, people-friendly and respectful environment. Better visibility, navigation, and etiquette within the public setting would help millions of residents and visitors who travel daily, using the means of transport available to them.