Sent my way by Patrick and Steve, here’s a short video from Montreal’s STM agency explaining the new wayfinding system that’s starting to be rolled out across the Metro system.

The major talking point (for me, at least) is the replacement of Univers with FF Transit as the system’s main typeface. It’s a very complementary choice, and I doubt most people would even notice the difference in passing. However, I think there’s definitely enhanced legibility, and the use of the typeface’s “front” and “back” variations for front-lit versus back-lit applications is very smart. 

The move to lowercase lettering is also welcome, as all-caps Univers always seems very stiff and formal to me. I am glad that they’re retaining historical typographical elements throughout the system, however.

The Metro map also seems to be getting an extensive make-over (just three years after the last minor revision), although the video glosses over the subject pretty quickly, saying just this, starting at around the 3:07 mark.

The iconic system map was simplified, presenting information in a more organized way. With its schematic approach and less clutter, the map is clear and easy to read.

Watching the video closely, most of the changes look good, bringing some simplicity and hierarchical structure to the map. However, I’m very sad to see that the distinctive 37-degree tilt has seemingly been replaced with the more standard 45-degree angles used by transit maps around the world.  Even more than the black background and all-caps typography, this was the unique and iconic defining feature of the Montreal map, and now it’s gone. The map hasn’t yet been updated on the STM website: I’ll be watching with interest for its debut!

Source: Official STM website