Singapore’s Guerrilla Wayfinder: One Man’s Quest for Intuitive Public Transport

For Vareck Ng, navigating Singapore’s public transport system isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about observing how people interact with the city’s infrastructure. The 23-year-ancient musician and self-described “transit enthusiast” has spent the last four years creating approximately 100 unofficial wayfinding signs across the island, addressing gaps in official signage and advocating for a more intuitive experience for commuters.

From Confusion to Creation

Ng’s interest in wayfinding began in 2020 with the opening of Stage 1 of the Thomson-East Coast Line. He found the latest yellow exit signs, which prioritized numbers over text and landmarks, disorienting. Unlike older lines where exits were clearly marked from the platform, the new system often required commuters to ascend to the concourse to determine their destination. “That is the thing that got me thinking about wayfinding,” Ng explained to The Straits Times. “If I can get lost in all these places, then what about someone who is not that into transit?”

Identifying “Desire Paths” and Filling the Gaps

Ng pays close attention to what he calls “desire paths”—the informal routes people create when official paths are inconvenient or unclear. He observes hesitation and repeated questions from fellow passengers as indicators of systemic shortcomings. If he hears the same question asked multiple times at a bus stop, he sees it as a signal that a sign is needed. His first unofficial sign was a simple A4 sheet of paper directing cyclists along the Lorong Halus Park Connector towards Pasir Ris, Punggol, and Sengkang – a location previously lacking directional guidance.

A Philosophy of Clear Design

Ng believes good design should be instinctive, comparing it to a chair: “No instruction manual. No second-guessing. You just sit down, and it works.” He advocates for prioritizing information in a clear hierarchy on MRT signs – transfers to other lines first, then exits, and finally, facilities. He contrasts this with the minimalist approach sometimes seen in official signage, citing expressway signs that simply state “Exit 9” as an example of confusing design. He argues that public transport signage should prioritize clarity over aesthetics, ensuring commuters can easily understand their options.

Beyond Signage: Advocating for Systemic Improvements

Ng’s advocacy extends beyond the creation of signs. He is calling for standardized islandwide design guidelines for cycling paths and better integration of cycling into contingency plans during MRT disruptions. He suggests that cycling could offer a faster alternative to shuttle buses during rail disruptions, particularly along park connectors. He also champions greater accessibility to public transport data, including live train timings.

Collaboration and Recognition

Ng is a member of the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) Friends of Land Transport, a group providing feedback to the authority. He reports that LTA officers have informally acknowledged his signs and expressed appreciation for his efforts. The LTA is currently trialing new digital displays at Serangoon MRT station to help commuters navigate disruptions, a development Ng views positively.

A Community Effort

While Ng has been a driving force behind these improvements, he emphasizes the importance of a broader community effort. “It cannot just be me in the long run,” he stated. “We all play a part in our neighbourhood.” He hopes to see a larger network of individuals contributing to the improvement of Singapore’s public transport wayfinding system.