Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Visual and Auditory Station Indicators Used in a Rapid Transit System in the Philippines

Abstract

Station indicators help passengers navigate their way to their desired station. Consistent, concise, and correct information provided by the station indicators is vital for passengers to be able to navigate their way. However, no evaluation has been done on the three identified visual and auditory station indicators used in a rapid transit system in the Philippines, namely the route maps found inside the trains, the station name signs found on station platforms, and the announcement of the station names by the driver. A survey of 323 passengers of the rapid transit was conducted, showing that 24.15% of which had experienced alighting at wrong stations, leading to lost time and money, and unnecessary stress. To evaluate the effectiveness of the station indicators, a simulation for new passengers was conducted. Nine participants who have never ridden the rapid transit, and were unfamiliar with the landmarks found along the route were asked to ride and alight on a specific station of the rapid transit. A modified system usability scale was used as a post-test questionnaire to measure the usability of the station indicators. Among the three, only the station name sign was found to be an effective station indicator.