For the first time in 12 years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has redesigned the New York City subway map. Overall, the map looks cleaner and simpler, with less space taken up by bus connection information. Manhattan has continued to get larger on the new map, with Staten Island shrinking due to the borough's relatively simple transit system.
Read more about the changes, including those to the map's color palette, in this NY Times article. Be sure to check out maps from previous years, including a 1972 version by Massimo Vignelli.
Want more maps? Check out an extensive historical collection on nycsubway.org.
My instant reaction was: I don’t like it. It looks too “Windows XP”. Cartoonish, and without any elegance.
But it does look easier to use, which was the point, I guess.
Vignelli’s timeless classic still stands out in comparison. It is clear, bold and does the job perfectly in a ‘designed’ way.
I suppose the new map reflects the necessary evil of todays world; cluttered, too much information and a melting pot of colors. Stuff that MUST be there!