Traveling home late last night, we noticed that WMATA was experimenting with a new sign format for the large digital screens in Metrorail stations that announce the minutes before the next train will arrive. Previously the signs would flash information for all the trains on the way individually, which could be confusing and give people the impression the wait might actually be longer than it was. We heartily approve of the new format – which was saw operating in a few downtown stations early this morning. We hope the upgrade also includes improved handling of service announcements and delays as we have experienced wildly inaccurate information — “15 MINUTE DELAY” displayed on lines that were shut down as a result of an accident, and “MAJOR DELAYS” for lines which seemed to be operating normally.

A WMATA press release says the changes will be officially implemented on Monday.