New Signage Unveiled at Chicago Union Station

September 8, 2017

Interagency signs provide much needed clarity for travelers

Chicago, IL – The RTA is joining CTA, Metra and Amtrak to unveil new and updated interagency signage at Chicago Union Station that will more easily connect travelers to transportation options and amenities around the Chicago landmark.

The 81 updated signs at Union Station will now:

• Provide Amtrak customers connection information to CTA and Metra
• Direct customers to Metra service by Metra Line name
• Direct customers to CTA service at the Union Station Transit Center
• Provide accessible pathway to all services in Union Station
• Correct outdated and incorrect signage
• Unify all signs to the current Amtrak standard

“One of the RTA’s key goals is the promote transit ridership and make it easier for people to use and understand our system,” said Leanne Redden, Executive Director of the RTA. “Union Station is huge and can be confusing to those who didn’t use it regularly. These signs make it so much easier to find your way, a challenge in a space that is the size of 9 ½ city blocks.”

New updated signage at Chicago Union Station featuring information from Metra and Amtrak

In 2012, working with CTA, Metra and Pace, the RTA created Interagency Signage Standards. Collaborating with Metra, CTA and Amtrak, the RTA applied these principals to improve signage around Union Station. RTA, Metra and CTA staff, designed the signage messages, and RTA staff made the signage artwork. The new signage also directs customers to and from the Union Station Transit Center, which is located between Canal and Clinton just south of Union Station. The Transit Center opened in September 2016 and provides a direct connection to six CTA bus routes. The total cost of the project came just under $25,000.

You can view all the work here.