The final designs of Prague's new metro maps are now installed across the city's metro system. After conducting a public survey last year, Prague Integrated Transport (PID) made adjustments to the graphics based on passenger feedback and began to install the new maps from January.
The final version includes both single-line and multi-line options that incorporate the city's three metro lines. The new metro maps, nicknamed 'jezevčík' (dachshund) in Czech for their length and dark color, are part of the city's Legible Prague project, aimed at improving navigation through the Czech capital.
The updated maps are now visible above each set of doors in all metro cars across Prague. The final variant offers a combination of the two previous designs tested by PID. The change addresses various preferences expressed by commuters, making it easier for passengers to plan their journey.
Passenger-driven updates
In 2023, PID conducted a survey on the two versions of the metro line graphics. One version displayed only the line passengers were currently on, while the other showed all stations across three lines.
The final design incorporates both concepts, with one map above each door showing the single-line view, and another map showing the three-line version. PID highlighted the new maps and key changes in a video posted to social media on Thursday.
New metro maps. Photo: PID
The new maps also address user feedback about the color choice. Many passengers initially criticized the black background, a shift from the previously white design.
However, the survey showed that the black background, though controversial, was beneficial to people with visual impairments, as it offered better readability. As a result, the black background has been retained across all versions.
Aside from the color and layout changes, the new maps feature enhanced icons, including those that highlight important city buildings and monuments. The new graphics also simplify station names, which are now aligned on a single horizontal line, making them easier to read.
Key changes at a glance:
Enlarged text and aligned station names.
New, clearer symbols for accessibility.
Updated transfer symbols for buses to the airport and zoo.
Highlighted metro transfer stations in the city center.
Line letters moved to the end of each line.
Additional key points of interest added.
PID also updated the maps on glass panels next to the doors, providing a more detailed view of the city center. These adjustments, the latest step in the Legible Prague project, reflect both public feedback and practical considerations gathered from everyday use.
"I would like to thank all the passengers who participated in the testing and provided us with valuable feedback," Prague Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib said through a press release. "This was absolutely crucial for us!"
"Thanks to it, we have, compared to the original design, enlarged the font, improved the symbol for barrier-free access, or highlighted the transfer stations. Together, we are creating a Prague where everyone can easily find their way around."