#United States #MTC #Santa Rosa #BayAreaTransit #TransitSigns

New Transit Maps and Signs Launched in Santa Rosa

On February 20, 2025, a significant milestone for Bay Area transit was marked with the unveiling of new transit maps and signs at the Santa Rosa Transit Mall and SMART station. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), along with various Bay Area transit agencies, launched these new designs to enhance clarity and usability for both existing and potential riders.

The initiative is part of the broader Regional Mapping and Wayfinding project, focused on creating user-friendly navigation systems across service areas and county lines. Attendees were introduced to new directional signs that aim to ease movement between the Santa Rosa Downtown SMART station and the Transit Mall — a half-mile route often noted for its navigational challenges.

Mayor Mark Stapp expressed pride in Santa Rosa's participation in this pioneering project, highlighting the city's dedication to fostering a more accessible transit experience. According to Stapp, this development represents a notable leap towards a seamless transit system throughout Santa Rosa and the surrounding Bay Area.

The Importance of Public Feedback

The event marks the beginning of an evaluation period for the new maps and signs installed in Santa Rosa, as community members are encouraged to provide feedback. Contributions from the public will inform the next phase of the project, with plans to extend the installation of new maps and wayfinding materials to seven additional locations in the Bay Area over the next two years.

Councilmember Victoria Fleming emphasized the goal of this initiative: not only improving the transit system for current riders but also attracting new users. Riders can now access the test maps and signs at the Transit Mall and the downtown SMART station, allowing them to share insights into how these materials can be optimized for better usability.

For those who are unable to visit the test sites, MTC has made provisions for an online survey, broadening the opportunity for public participation in refining the project.

Enhancing Transit Accessibility

In recent years, commuter concerns regarding the difficulty of navigating between the Santa Rosa Downtown SMART station and the Transit Mall have been vocalized repeatedly. In response, officials are not only testing the new signage but also implementing feedback mechanisms to ensure that improvements effectively meet the needs of transit users.

The Regional Mapping and Wayfinding initiative extends beyond Santa Rosa, aiming to create a cohesive transit experience across all nine counties in the Bay Area. Whether travelling by bus, rail, or ferry, riders will benefit from standardized and easily identifiable signs and communication systems designed to streamline transit navigation.

This project is a collaborative effort involving MTC and various stakeholders, including transit riders and municipalities across the Bay Area. It represents a forward-thinking approach to transit design — enhancing travel accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.

The objective is to harmonize maps and signage across various transit systems, making it easier for everyone to navigate public transportation options, ultimately contributing to a more user-friendly transit environment.

Conclusion

As the Regional Mapping and Wayfinding project continues to evolve, it promises to significantly improve the public transit experience in the Bay Area. With public participation as a core element, this initiative is set to enhance connectivity and convenience for residents and visitors alike. MTC's ongoing commitment to upgrading transit systems reaffirms the importance of innovation in fostering accessible and efficient public transportation.

For more details, visit the MTC website at mtc.ca.gov/MappingWayfinding.