Department of Rapid Transit Systems

Signage design is a type of visual design, which employs the composition of text, graphics and colors to provide identification, guidance, illustration, and warning functionality. The signage system in Taipei MRT provides assistance, disseminates MRT information, connects facilities and helps manage the system. The main aim of signage designed by DORTS is to provide a basic service to passengers on the network and ensure a safe and smooth journey from passengers’ station of origin to their destination.

Taipei MRT is the first transportation network of its kind in Taiwan. In the early stages of the system design planning, international signage system designs were referenced and adjusted to suit the spatial layout and architectural characteristics of the Taipei MRT system. In 1987, a "Signage and Graphics Manual" was developed as a foundational guide for Taipei MRT projects, ensuring consistency throughout the system. The manual was revised into a Chinese version in 1996, underwent a major revision in 2002, and has been subsequently updated to align with regulatory requirements, operational feedback, and recommendations from the signage project team. The third edition of the "Signage System Design Guidelines" in Chinese was issued in August 2023.

On the initial routes, DORTS designed the signage system and applied it to each line as one construction contract for the implementation of construction drawing review and construction consulting tasks. Furthermore, from Kunyang Station on the Nangang line, Fuzhong Station and Banqiao Station on the Banqiao line, and the Tucheng line to future routes, signage design work and construction services have been included within the scope of each civil engineering detailed design contract. Detailed design contractors have carried out station signage design in accordance with the signage design guidelines promulgated by DORTS, and construction has been integrated into the civil engineering contracts. During the construction phase, the main contractor has coordinated with subcontractors in order to streamline construction interfaces.