"Take a right, then a left, then go about 500 feet down, and turn diagonally to your right. It'll be straight in front of you, but if you hit a set of stairs, you've gone to far. Got that?" For many of us, this is the go-to wayfinding strategy when navigating Toronto's PATH system: ask for directions and then nod politely to make it seem like you understand. However, with a pilot project for a new "#PATH360" wayfinding strategy now launching, those days could soon be coming to an end. 

With the Downtown core and the PATH system quickly growing, the Toronto Financial District BIA has taken the initiative to better integrate the labyrinthine underground network into city life. Beginning this summer, the #PATH360 pilot project will bring a cohesive new design language to the system's inconsistent (and downright confusing) wayfinding. Developed with independent consultancy Steer Davies Gleave, the new concept plan is designed to integrate and streamline—but not entirely replace—the PATH's various existing wayfinding tools. 

Some of the many passageways of the PATH, image courtesy of the TFD BIA

The #PATH360 plan carries forward the basic design language introduced at street-level by the TO360 wayfinding system. Featuring an overlay of the street grid, building outlines and cardinal directions are also shown on the new map, with the above-ground reference points making for improved spatial contextualization. To simplify passage through the network, the concept introduces a system of 'Connector' and 'Branch' routes. Shown in blue, the 'Connector' routes provide direct passageways through the PATH, while the green 'Branch' routes—home to many of the PATH's twists and turns—depict more indirect ways to get around. (Although the #PATH360 project will eventually provide comprehensive wayfindning, individual properties will also be able to maintain their own systems).

A part of the new map, image courtesy of the TFD BIA

Maintaining the well-known PATH logo, the new signage will be marked by a bright blue colour borrowed from the existing logo. According to representatives of Steer Davies Gleave, a simple and consistent design will help make the signage more conspicuous. On each sign, walking times to destinations are also shown, with recognizable logos (showing accessibility and TTC/GO connections) also integrated into the signage. According to BIA Executive Director Grant Humes, clearly posted walk times will allow "people to linger and window-shop if they know they have time," potentially boosting retail revenue.

The simple new signage will clearly integrate transit logos, image courtesy of the TFD BIA

The goal of expanding retail revenue has been touted as a key benefit of clearer signage. The ineffectiveness of the current wayfinding system (seen below) has long been identified as a problem for the PATH, with locals and tourists alike known to avoid the confusing network. According to a survey conducted by the BIA, 81% of PATH users do not find the current map and signage helpful.

The existing map is hard to find and difficult to read, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

The potential economic benefits of improved wayfinding have been quantified in a report prepared by N. Barry Lyons Consultants Limited. The consultants' findings show that every 1% increase in usership of the PATH would lead to an additional $17 million in sales revenue. As it stands, the PATH is already used by approximately 200,000 commuters per business day, though the BIA hopes that a better wayfinding system can help lead to significant further growth.

Beneath the TD Centre, a retail-lined portion of the PATH, image by Marcus Mitanis

In recent years, the Downtown's fast-paced growth has already led to a significantly expanded PATH. Between 2010 and 2015, 700,000 ft² of new retail—and $300 million in sales revenue—has been added to the network, which now boasts over 3.7 million ft² of retail space. Since 2001, the number of residents living within walking distance of PATH has also increased by 258%, while the consultants' report also counts some 20,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the network. 

The wall-mounted maps will be easily removable, allowing regular updates, image courtesy of the TFD BIA

This summer, the new wayfinding tools—which may also come to include free standing maps and wall-mounted beacons—will be tested in a select part of the PATH. Throughout the pilot project, users will be able to provide feedback via an online survey, as well as through #PATH360 on Twitter. From there, a report on the system's implementation will be presented to the City of Toronto's Executive Committee late this year, with a final round of consultations taking place in 2017. Full implementation of the system is targeted for early 2018. 

***

We will keep you updated as the new wayfinding system continues to develop. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment in the space below this page, or by joining in the ongoing conversation on our associated Forum thread.