I’ve lived in DC and used Metrobus here for 14 years. I’m also a designer, and I have a few ideas about how to make the bus timetable brochures clearer for people using them to understand the system.

Metrobus brochures could included a map like this to give riders a sense of where they are even if they’ve never heard of the specific places.

Some of the brochures’ most important information, like where bus lines run and which bus stops have Metrorail stations nearby, isn’t shown at all. And if you aren’t familiar with the bus line numbers or street names, you won’t have the context you need.

Mockup from the author based on the original Metrobus brochure.

While many people have smartphones to get their information in other ways or know what apps to download, visitors to the city often don’t. And many low income travelers either don’t have a smart phone nor money for data plans.

Here’s my new design:

I designed a new brochure that I think would help readers know where they are even if they don’t understand the geography of the District.

Redesigned Metrobus brochure by the author.

In short, I think Metrobus brochures should give users a visual understanding of where they are rather than assume riders know street or neighborhood names and that they should provide further information on how they can connect with Metrorail.

Do you see any other ways to make my new brochure better? If you have ideas, post them in the comments!

Todd Fisk is a 14 year DC resident, previously in Los Angeles, and originally from Vermont. He’s a non-profit manager and designer who lives with his wife in Cathedral Heights.