Calgary’s Greyhound station was built in 1984. Over the twenty-three years it’s been in existence, the facility’s decor and signage has not changed. Plastic-stenciled signs are still displayed over the bay entrances. The original wood grain televisions still hang lifelessly from the roof. There is no route maps or current scheduling information anywhere. Walking into the terminal feels like walking into a museum.
Greyhound seems to be the exception in the transportation industry. Most mass transportation organizations are on the cutting edge of design and communication. Airports are many times the most modern facilities you’ll find in terms of wayfinding, signage, maps, and up to the minute information. Mass transit is also very progressive in it’s thinking. The Los Angles Metro system has an in house design department that consistently hires world-class talent and distributes impressive and exciting print and web material.
Understandably, Greyhound continues to serve a typically rural audience and fits right in with the coffee shops and motels on it’s route, however it may do some good to catch up with the times. We think the Calgary Greyhound station is a good example of poor communication.
Your Thoughts?