8 Lessons from the Paris Metro

Dan Malouff gives us a list of characteristics that make the Paris Metro system efficient, non-frustrating, and even beautiful. American transit planners should certainly take some of these fixes into consideration. They include:

• Lockable door controls for passengers, reducing entry and exit times (versus requiring conductors to control all door operations)
• Full-platform seating (why not?)
• Flip-up seats, adding capacity during rush hours
• Open gangways allowing movement between cars
• Elevated tracks that actually look good
• Sign design that aspires beyond the merely utilitarian
• Location-specific maps (aiding travelers to stadiums, airports, etc.)