For the first time in almost half a century, the MTA has introduced a redesigned new New York City subway map. However, while the agency touts the new design as “easily readable,” many riders have criticized it as overly complex and unnecessary.
The new map replaces the iconic 1979 design by Michael Hertz, which featured a spaghetti-like layout of subway lines. The updated version showcases bold, bright lines on a white background, with additional markers indicating free out-of-station transfers and accessible stations. The redesign also replaces the boroughs’ traditional topographical outlines with simplified graphic shapes.
“The new MTA is committed to delivering a quality, 21st-century customer experience, and it’s about time our map reflected that,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber in a statement.
However, many commuters were unaware of the change until informed by reporters, and reactions were largely negative.
“I’d rather see more working elevators or fewer homeless people on the trains, or even get some of the newer trains on all the lines,” said Allison Graham, 40, at the Astoria-Ditmars N station in Queens. “The map update could have waited. There are more pressing priorities.”
Another commuter, Michelle, remarked that while the redesign might be helpful for tourists, she found it largely irrelevant. “I don’t hate it, but I probably won’t ever look at it again.”
Bronx resident A.J., rushing to catch a train at Canal Street, dismissed the map as a “waste of money.” “New Yorkers don’t need that,” he added. “I hope this isn’t why they’re raising fares again. Is this where our money is going?”
The new map bears similarities to Massimo Vignelli’s short-lived 1972 subway diagram, which was abandoned after only seven years due to complaints that it was confusing and did not accurately represent street-level geography. Social media users were quick to point out that the MTA has been trying to implement this style of map for decades, despite widespread rejection.
Critics argue that the new design is unnecessarily complicated, making subway transfers harder to understand. “Oh dear! That’s much more complicated than it needed to be!” one person commented online. Another noted, “The city looks distorted. This is not an improvement.”
A frequent complaint was the perceived wastefulness of the redesign, with the MTA declining to disclose the project’s cost. “This map sucks,” one X user wrote. “It uses way too much space for lines instead of maximizing efficiency. This leads to crazy distortions of distances above ground.”
Designed by the MTA’s Creative Services Mapping Department, the new map also includes nearby routes for Amtrak, Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, and the PATH system. The agency plans to install the map in subway cars and stations over the coming weeks and months.
“This rollout takes advantage of dedicated spaces in subway cars and thousands of digital screens to provide customers with detailed, up-to-date service information,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “We appreciate our customers’ feedback and the hard work of our creative team in updating this iconic piece of the New York City Subway system.”
Despite the MTA’s enthusiasm, it remains to be seen whether the new map will win over skeptical New Yorkers—or if it will meet the same fate as its 1972 predecessor.