CHK America completes first tier of GRTC bus stop signage improvements

CHK America announced completion of the first tier of a three-tiered bus stop improvement project for the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) in Virginia, which included enhanced wayfinding signage.

Tier One modernizes 300 stops along two of GRTC’s busiest routes with each stop receiving upgrades that include new flags with clearly visible route and bus stop numbers as well as eye-level, easy-to-use printed schedule and map information.

Additionally, nine new, four-sided, information kiosks and 18 back-lit Schedule Information Solar Panels complete with a push button for night illumination, are being installed at high-density bus stops throughout the system. Both the kiosks and solar panels provide options for texting, QR codes and a mobile app for customers to further connect with GRTC.

“One of the most frequent requests our customers make is for better, more helpful information at bus stops, and I'm very excited to be to the point where we can finally implement this important project, said GRTC CEO, David Green. “Replacing every bus stop sign throughout our system is neither simple nor inexpensive, but it will be far worth the effort in the long run.  Not only will it enhance the overall experience of our current riders, but it will make it easier for new riders to understand how transit works. Increasing ridership is our biggest priority and attracting new riders is part of that equation. Providing clear, easy to understand information at bus stops will help us achieve that goal.”

CHK America’s best practice approach to customer information design was critical during the development of this wayfinding signage program. Tier One included busy hubs providing multiple routes and connections with the most complex information to communicate. Tiers Two and Three will provide at-stop information at the balance of GRTC’s bus stops. “When the final two tiers are complete there will be new, upgraded and redesigned signage at all 2,000 stops throughout the GRTC system,” said CHK America President/CEO Rick Wood.