Amtrak ■ Graphic Signage Standards Manual August 1995 Revised 2010 Contents Introduction 1. Nomenclature and Glossary of Terms 1.0 Amtrak Usage and Style 1.1 Glossary of Terms 1.2 Recommended Abbreviations 1.6 Nomenclature for Platform and Interior Signs 1.7 Nomenclature for Interior Signs 1.8 Nomenclature for Exterior Signs 1.9 Nomenclature for Regulatory Signs 1.10 2. Graphic Components 2.0 The Module 2.1 Arrow Module 2.2 Symbol Module 2.3 Frutiger 55 Roman Text 2.4 Frutiger 65 Bold Text 2.5 Text Module, Visual Characters 2.6 Permanent Room Identification and Station Identification 2.8 Use of Dividers 2.9 Signage System Colors 2.10 Use of Arrows 2.11 Corporate Identity 2.12 Amtrak Specific Symbols 2.13 Passenger Services Symbols 2.14 Public Services Symbols 2.15 Regulatory Symbols 2.16 Symbols of Accessibility 2.17 Preview Bar Symbols 2.18 Other Carriers 2.19 3. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 3.0 History of the Act 3.1 ADA Highlights 3.2 Graphic Overview of the ADA 3.6 4. Platform Signage (A Sign Types) 4.0 5. Interior Signage (B Sign Types) 5.0 6. Exterior Signage (C Sign Types) 6.0 7. Regulatory Signage (D Sign Types) 7.0 8. Electronic Signage (E Sign Types) 8.0 Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual© ■ March 2010 Contents (continued) 9. Typical Sign Location Plans 9.0 Message Hierarchy 9.1 Historical Buildings 9.2 Typical Platform Plans 9.3 Typical Station Plans 9.7 10. Recommended Maintenance of Signs 10.0 Maintenance and Parts Replacement 10.1 Cleaning 10.2 Why Coating Systems Fail 10.3 11. Sign Fabrication and Installation 11.0 The Amtrak Paint System 11.1 Graphics Application 11.2 Sign Construction Drawings 11.3 12. Sign Ordering Forms 12.0 The Ordering Process 12.1 Master List of Sign Types 12.2 Three Steps for Ordering Signs 12.5 Sample Ordering Form 12.7 Master Ordering Form 12.8 Ordering Electronic Signs 12.9 March 2010 ■ Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual© Introduction The 2009 revision of the Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual has many updates and additions that bring the Amtrak signage system into the 21st Century. The original manual, issued in 1995, was revised in 2001 to incorporate many of the changes associated with the introduction of Amtrak's new brand that was unveiled in 2000. This 2010 revision incorporates new Amtrak branded Sign Types, Acela Express Sign Types, vehicular trail- blazer signs and completely updated electronic Sign Types. This revision also contains an overview of the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design guidelines, as published in 2004 and amended in 2005, regarding signage. To contribute to a greener planet, the paint specifications in this revision have been changed to VOC compliant formulations with reduced organic volatile compounds (VOCs). The original manual was developed with multi-depart- mental coordination within Amtrak and was designed by McCulley Design Group, LLC (environmental graphic design services). The McCulley Group, LLC subsequently revised the original manual in 2001 to include new Sign Types and graphic content developed by Calori & Vanden-Eynden, Ltd., who prepared this revision of the manual. In order to reinforce Amtrak’s brand image it is impor- tant that the guidelines outlined in this manual be followed to maintain signage consistency. When it is necessary to replace an existing sign or install a new sign it is important that the personnel responsible consult the Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual and refer to the ordering procedures outlined in Chapter 12.0. Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual© ■ March 2010 Introduction (continued) Adherence to the Every day employees, passengers, and the general Amtrak Graphic Signage public form impressions about Amtrak. How Amtrak Standards Manual not communicates is a vital expression of its marketplace only maximizes the visi- identity and must support the unique quality of bility of Amtrak stations, its people, service and environment. Advertising, but also greatly increases sales promotion collateral, architecture, interiors, the recognition of the displays, corporate identity, facility and transportation Amtrak brand image identification all contribute significantly to Amtrak's and enhances Amtrak's perceived image. market presence. All interior/exterior identification components and The policies in this interior space must support and reinforce the brand manual are required image established for Amtrak and its passengers. to detail the use of Of major importance is to give the impression that the Amtrak brand signa- the entire station is unified with understandable ture as applied to all sequences of information. Amtrak stations. Signage for Amtrak stations establishes a permanent display of the Amtrak corporate identification that extends beyond the simple and generic graphic communicative requirements of a train station. Signage design and the degree of consistency with which signs are fabricated and installed in our stations makes a collective statement to the public about the character of Amtrak and the level of service experienced. The choice of signage materials is largely determined by the environmental conditions they are expected to resist and the performance requirements desired. Materials in this manual have been selected according to their ability to withstand extreme exposure to sun, cold, snow and high levels of humidity or rain. The goal of the Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual is to convey a consistent corporate image of strength and reliability, reflecting a brand that puts the safety, comfort and enjoyment of every passenger first. Applied consistently, the signage will stand for Amtrak and its role in the travel marketplace. The use of a consistent graphic system enhances the passenger experience, providing both real and perceived reassur- ances at all phases of the station experience. This manual is a corporate identity program created to establish an Amtrak system for national sign instal- lation and placement guidelines. This system as of March 2010 ■ Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual© Introduction (continued) date of publication will assist in the long-term strategy required to address conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA mandates that all public accommodations and public facilities be acces- sible to people with disabilities. This manual is intended to be used as a whole so it is important for users to familiarize themselves with its organization and with its entire contents. For example, the Sign Type information provided in Chapters 4.0 through 8.0 is complemented and supported by infor- mation in the other chapters. This manual is organized as follows: • Chapters 1.0 through 3.0 of this manual contain important information on the building blocks of Amtrak's sign system. • Chapters 4.0 through 8.0 provide information about each Amtrak Sign Type, typically presented in four subject areas: Sign Overview, Mounting Options, Sign Size and Layout, and Design Intent Drawing. • Chapter 9.0 describes where the various Amtrak Sign Types should be located at various types of platforms and stations. • Chapter 10.0 contains sign maintenance procedures. • Chapter 11.0 contains information on sign fabrica- tion and installation. • Chapter 12.0 outlines the sign ordering process. In order to control the product and brand qual- ity of Amtrak signage, signs must be ordered through Amtrak Brand Management, contact: [email protected]. For information on non-signage applications of the Amtrak brand, contact: BrandManagement@amtrak. com. Also see Station Design Guidelines, available at www.GreatAmericanStations.com Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual© ■ March 2010 Nomenclature and 1.1 Glossary of Terms Amtrak Usage and Style Grammar To avoid confusion and • Messages should be brief. Avoid unnecessary words ambiguity, all mes- and punctuation. sages in the Amtrak Graphic Signage • Sentences should be constructed clearly and deci- System must be com- sively. Redundancy must be avoided. municated with clar- • A positive tone must accompany all messages. ity and consistency in The use of “only” should be avoided in messages. terminology, grammar, and style. Style • A titling style, where all words begin with a The guidelines listed capital letter except for articles, prepositions in this chapter are to and conjunctions is to be used consistently be followed closely throughout the system. when developing messages for Amtrak • All sign messages are to be displayed in non-italic signs. characters. • Letters and words shall be spaced horizontally according to guidelines established by the ADA. Text shall not be tightly spaced to fit on an improperly sized sign. Punctuation • Punctuation should be avoided where possible. • Hyphens are not to be used in unconventional ways; they should not be used in place of a comma, in place of the word “to” or in place of a dash. Coined words such as “Drop-off“ and “Smoke-free” must appear hyphenated on all signs. • The ampersand (&) is to be used in place of the word “and” only when connecting two words that belong together because of their function. Abbreviations • Abbreviations are generally to be avoided. Exceptions will be made in cases of common and widely understood words displayed with insuffi- cient space. For a list of acceptable abbreviations refer to page 1.6. • Abbreviations are to be used without punctuation. Amtrak Graphic Signage Standards Manual© ■ March 2010 Nomenclature and Glossary of Terms 1.2 Glossary of Terms The following defini- Accent Bar: An essential part of most Amtrak signs, tions have been it consists of a narrow horizontal stripe of color compiled to assist in placed at the lower end of signs where applicable. the process of under- The Accent Bar is always painted to match AMT Silver. standing and applying Accessibility: The combination of elements within a the Amtrak Graphic facility which allows access, circulation and full use of Signage System. the area by persons with disabilities.