Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(6), pp. 4687 - 4700
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130638
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Enhancing Wayfinding in Chennai Metro: Insights from Passenger Feedback

K. Vaidyanathan ^*, G. Yogapriya
Chettinad School of Architecture, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam – 603103, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

Metro systems are now essential for urban mobility due to the rapid urbanization of the world, but many users still find it difficult to navigate these complex environments. Clear and inclusive wayfinding is not only critical for improving passenger ease of commuting. It is also for certifying security, effectiveness, and reasonable access to public transport. In Chennai, like in other cities where the transit usage has increased rapidly in recent years, user-centered navigation design remains unknown. In order to categorise design limitations and recommend user-centered improvements, this study examines passenger feedback to investigate the wayfinding experience in Chennai Metro stations. The research builds on international frameworks such as Metrolinx (Canada), APTA (USA), and MTC (USA), while positioning results within the local socio-cultural context. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates overall navigation satisfaction through integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative responses from 88 respondents. The investigation apprehended demographic variations across age, gender, and travel frequency. The open-ended responses delivered understandings into signage clarity, digital tools, and accessibility. The results show serious deficiencies in real-time navigation assistance, digital integration, multilingual signage, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Starting from the mobile apps, interactive kiosks, restroom signage, and multilingual guidance, the need varies by age and gender. These results point to demographic-exact needs that should inform design revisions. The study highlights the need for inclusive design principles by comparing Chennai Metro's current practices to international standards like Metrolinx (Canada), APTA (USA), and MTC (USA). The use of universally recognizable symbols, enhanced station mapping, tactile and Braille signage, and participatory design—which involves passengers in the evaluation of signage—are among the recommendations. By providing scalable methods for improving wayfinding in expanding metropolitan networks, the study adds to the broader conversation on transit accessibility and user experience.

KEYWORDS
Wayfinding, Metro Stations, User Experience, Signage Design, Accessibility

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] K. Vaidyanathan , G. Yogapriya , "Enhancing Wayfinding in Chennai Metro: Insights from Passenger Feedback," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 4687 - 4700, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130638.

(b). APA Format:
K. Vaidyanathan , G. Yogapriya (2025). Enhancing Wayfinding in Chennai Metro: Insights from Passenger Feedback. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(6), 4687 - 4700. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130638.