The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.) recently introduced a revamped map of the New York City subway system, reminiscent of a 1970s design that was both loved and loathed in its time. The new map, displayed at a Times Square train platform, is part of the M.T.A.’s efforts to rejuvenate the subway system’s image amid ongoing challenges such as securing funding for upgrades and dealing with criticism from Washington. The new design sacrifices some geographic detail for clarity, harkening back to the modernist Unimark map from 1972 that simplified the system’s layout before being replaced in 1979.
Critics of the Unimark map had issues with its departure from traditional map conventions, such as landmarks appearing squished together and bodies of water represented in beige. However, fans of the design saw it as an elegant solution to the increasingly complicated subway system. The updated version incorporates elements of the Unimark design along with the Tauranac map, named after respected New York mapmaker John Tauranac. The design was led by the firm Michael Hertz Associates and is already being displayed on digital monitors, with plans to post it in subway cars and platforms in the coming weeks.
The unveiling of the new subway map represents a linchpin moment for Janno Lieber, the chairman of the M.T.A., who sees parallels between the current state of the system and the need for upgrades in the late 1970s. The map redesign addresses issues like the legibility of transfer points and the depiction of accessibility features at busy hubs. Despite concerns about funding, Mr. Lieber noted that the redesign was paid for entirely in-house, without a dedicated budget. The M.T.A. is also making changes to the subway system beyond the map, including phasing out the iconic MetroCard, installing turnstile barriers to deter fare evasion, and increasing safety measures on platforms.
The M.T.A.’s recent initiatives come amid criticism from the Trump administration over crime rates and congestion pricing in New York City. Despite threats to cut funding and eliminate congestion pricing, Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged to continue charging tolls to fund upgrades to the subway, bus, and regional rail systems. The new subway map is likely to evoke mixed reactions from riders and map enthusiasts, with some appreciating the design’s details while others finding it cluttered or reminiscent of London’s transit map. For designers and supporters of the 1970s Unimark map, the return of its style is a welcome vindication and a tribute to the original creators, including Massimo Vignelli, Bob Noorda, and Joan Charysyn.
The revival of the 1970s subway map design has personal significance for individuals like Luca Vignelli, son of Massimo Vignelli who worked on the original Unimark map. Luca Vignelli expressed joy at seeing his father’s work recognized and wished he could have been around to appreciate it as well. The return of this iconic design is a nod to a pivotal moment in the city’s transit history and celebrates the innovation and boldness of the original designers. As the M.T.A. continues to navigate challenges and modernize the subway system, the new map serves as a reminder of the past while reflecting the agency’s commitment to improving transportation for New Yorkers.
