Tourists visiting Toronto for the FIFA World Cup may find transit facilities more accessible to navigate through a newly launched wayfinding project. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), in collaboration with design firm Arcadis, has started piloting two different systems across six high-traffic subway stations, including an exit strategy that is a first-of-its-kind in Canada.

An alphanumeric identification system is being integrated into digital transit apps and rolled out at Bathurst, Dufferin, Bloor-Yonge, Union, St Andrew, and King stations. The NaviLens app, which enables smartphone-based navigation and real-time transit information, will be piloted solely at Dufferin station. Together, the systems will help people quickly access  soccer destinations and other above-ground facilities, while supporting those who are visually impaired, low-vision users, multilingual visitors, and neurodivergent riders who often encounter cognitive overload.

The pilot will remain active until September 2026 and aligns with the TTC’s long-term wayfinding strategy that sets out to transform traditional static signage into a dynamic, multi-sensory and integrated experience. In a 2025 report by the TTC, an audit revealed that while 39 per cent of signage reflects current standards, 61 per cent still uses legacy formats.

“Over the years, projects were designed and rolled out by need, often one sign at a time, rather than through upgrading an entire station,” the report states. “This highlights the significant work ahead to achieve consistency system-wide and bring all stations, loops and surface network to 100% alignment with updated standards.”

In addition to a signage overhaul, which requires an estimated $140 million in funding, the TTC is prioritizing a digital revamp. Modern-day wayfinding now integrates both physical and digital tools across various platforms and agencies and incorporates elements such as personal devices, audio cues, and architecture.

“We want everything to feel integrated and purposeful as we go through any updates, making sure that our systems, whether digital or static, work all together,” says Laura Lehming, director of customer experience at the TTC. “It’s like a puzzle—you’ve got all of these pieces that need to work in order to see and understand the whole picture.”

Exit strategy a first in Canada

To glean international best practices, Lehming’s team engaged with various transit agencies around the globe and were inspired by large-scale cities such as Paris and Tokyo that are successfully connecting wayfinding with different formats.

In the TTC pilot, alphanumeric codes are currently assigned to the station exits, transfer points, and other key locations. Each exit will now be marked with a simple code—such as “A” or “A 1,” which also incorporates high-contrast pedestrian icons to help customers pinpoint their street-level destinations.

For example, at Bathurst Station, the Bathurst Street side becomes Zone A, while the Markham St. side becomes Zone B. Each zone is linked to nearby landmarks, street corners, and transit connections, making it easier for customers to choose the most appropriate exit.

Julian Lum-Smith is a transit facilities studio manager at Arcadis, the firm that designed the TTC version of the wayfinding system. He says this specific exit strategy is widely used across transit networks in Asia, where some stations have hundreds of exits. Cities in Europe are gradually adopting it, but this is Canada’s first application.

“Systems where you’re trying to find your way above ground can be really challenging underground,” says Lehming. “When you’re unfamiliar with a station, you really need something to help orient yourself, which might not use cardinal directions.”

Alphanumeric codes are designed to reduce that confusion for anyone who is new to the TTC, but also for Toronto’s multicultural community of English language learners. Rather than relying on long route names, these short identifiers are easier to recognize and remember. As an example, instead of processing “King 504 Streetcar Eastbound,” riders could simply follow a code, such as “B2,” which becomes the only reference they need throughout their journey.

Inclusive support through turn-by-turn directions

Another wayfinding technology aimed to empower people is NaviLens, which is widely used in Europe and currently operating in Vancouver. The app translates visual signage into audio messages, and is especially geared to travelers who are blind or have low vision.

With a smartphone, users can scan colourful QR codes from 40 to 65 feet away, depending  on the size. The codes prompt the phone to deliver information about a nearby point of interest and offer turn-by-turn directions.

“Vision impaired users are able to listen to an audio guide, one they would almost get in a museum, but also with music and cues to turn left, turn right, turn around,” explains Lum-Smith. “If you’re trying to get the southbound bus to Toronto Stadium, the audio will take you there—to the elevator, through the stairs, up the concourse.”

As well, the app automatically detects the language on a user’s phone and translates support in up to 42 languages. Neurodivergent riders will also experience less cognitive demand and more reassurance through an app setting that displays picograms, which are similar to MagnusCards—a digital life skills guide that helps autistic adults in real-world situations such as using public transit.

“We also try to have progressive disclosure so you only get the information you need where you need to make the decision,” says Lum-Smith. “If you are on the platform, does it matter when the next bus is coming? Some users might find that information too much.”

Setting standards in permanent motion

As the TTC moves forward with the trial, public feedback will inform necessary improvements. The hope is that it will eventually inspire permanent signage renewals and upgrade new subways like the 15.5 kilometre Ontario Line.

Wayfinding upgrades during high-profile events are not new to Toronto. In 2015, the city completed a pilot project in conjunction with the PanAm Games, consisting of 21 different signs in the downtown core. The project became successful and prompted a city-wide rollout. More recent solutions explore vehicle arrival information. The TTC is also piloting E-link displays at 75 stops, in time for the World Cup.

“As well, we are looking at ways of fully updating stations,” says Lehming. “St. George is one pilot we want to start with first because it’s a major interchange.”

Plans are in place for a potential entire revamp, where every single sign would be upgraded to current TTC standards to enhance transfers between Line 1 and Line 2 and boost access to the Royal Ontario Museum and the Bata Shoe Museum. The team will also explore how to apply customer feedback from the alphanumeric identification strategy.

Once these projects come to fruition, they will showcase a more innovative and intuitive approach to wayfinding, one that is rooted in universal design principles that make all riders feel safer and more comfortable.

“I think that makes a big difference when you’re out on public transportation—feeling like somebody has taken care of you and is thinking about the customer-first approach,” explains Lehming. “It’s a great way to see the city, and as we’re gearing up for the World Cup, we want to make sure everyone has that same perception.”