Why are there so many different station signs? Why are they all different colors, types, etc?
There are a number of reasons. First, the reason there are two basic types is that the CTA® is currently in the middle of a program to replace and update the stations’ signage, so some of the new ones are up while most still have the old type. The new signs have a gray background with white Helvetica letters. The old ones have a colored background (red, green or blue, depending on the stations type; see previous question for more on this) and white Helvetica letters. The fact that the latter has three different colored backgrounds adds to the appearance of extreme inconsistency to those not familiar with the old signage system. Someday, they should all be consistent again. Two really old examples of “L”TM signage also remain: a CRT-era blue and white enamel sign remains at Sheridan and a 1950s-era CTA® sign remains Medical Center. For more on signage types, see the Platform Signage section.
There are a number of reasons. First, the reason there are two basic types is that the CTA® is currently in the middle of a program to replace and update the stations’ signage, so some of the new ones are up while most still have the old type. The new signs have a gray background with white Helvetica letters. The old ones have a colored background (red, green or blue, depending on the stations type; see previous question for more on this) and white Helvetica letters. The fact that the latter has three different colored backgrounds adds to the appearance of extreme inconsistency to those not familiar with the old signage system. Someday, they should all be consistent again. Two really old examples of “L”TM signage also remain: a CRT-era blue and white enamel sign remains at Sheridan and a 1950s-era CTA® sign remains Medical Center. For more on signage types, see the Platform Signage section.
