Department of Rapid Transit Systems

Signage design is a type of visual design, which uses the composition of words, graphics and colors to provide identification, guidance, illustration, and warning functions. The signage system in the 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 their station of origin to their destination.

Taipei MRT is the first transportation network of its kind in Taiwan. In the early stages of designing the signage system, DORTS referred to established designs in other countries. However, a variety of designs in different countries made it clear that there was no standard design. Therefore, to adapt to the spatial planning and architectural forms, DORTS developed a graphic design manual specifically for Taipei MRT project. The manual contains all the basic design concepts and was published in February 1991. It was used as the basis of signage design for all facilities on the MRT. DORTS also issued a series of standardized detailed drawings for the systemwide design concept.

On the initial routes, such as the Muzha section of the Wehu line, the Tamsui line, the Xindian line, the Zhonghe line, the Nangang Line, and from Xinpu Station to Longshan Temple Station on the Banqiao line, the signage system was designed by DORTS and applied to each line as one construction contract implementing 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, the detailed design companies carry out each station's sign designs in accordance with the design principles promulgated by DORTS that is incorporated into the civil engineering contract in order to avoid interface problems.