Seems to take a lot of inspiration from the Kick Map concept: https://kickmap.com

It's so oddly disconnected from the world above ground, I'm not sure how useful it is if you're new to the city.

And it can't ever explain what they mean by "The N is running on the 1." Doesn't that just make it the 1?!?!

While the old version was truer to geography (though still quite squished relative to actual geography!), I find the new version so much easier to follow because of the clearer lines and identification of stops—the old 'is it a white dot or a black dot' for express vs. local was Not Good.

I don't rely on this map because I don't live in New York, so I don't truly know if this is better or not, but I absolutely love the new version from an aesthetic and design standpoint.

Among other things, those dotted express train / solid local train lines next to each other are so beautiful. It improves Vignelli's already-great map.

Worth looking at the up-close version: https://www.mta.info/map/5256
And the late-night version is stunning: https://www.mta.info/map/5336

Ah, so not to be super snarky - but, um....how about a subway system that actually works as opposed to a new map? I don't know - a clean every now and again? Something other than a hunger games style commute? The map is nice, however.

I think the previous map is better if you can look at up close. Like once upon a time when you could pick up a printed version and spread it out. I can't remember the last time I saw a printed map! But I've probably spent combined hours of someone peering over my shoulder on the train trying to figure out where they're going because the other map was SO detailed, it's hard to read quickly. The updated Vignelli version looks like it may be easier to read on the train and on screens.

Many years ago I attended an AIGA NY event about MTA graphic design (with a panel including Vignelli and Michael Hertz, the previous map designer). I wonder if there is a recording somewhere. Workers from the MTA sign-making division attended and spoke up from the audience. It was such an incredible event, but I only vaguely remember what everyone talked about.

I'm wishy-washy on it. Forcing everything into 90/45-degree angles seems like style for the sake of style. But it's probably better for the digital age. I'll see how I do on the next trip to NYC.

It's not so much a map as a diagram.

I guess we'll all adjust but this new map looks very confusing to me? Why is Central Park a mushed square? Why is Union Square way farther east than it actually is? Part of what made the old map useful is that you could get a sense geographically where each station was. Maybe this new one shows connections better but it makes Union Square look like it's a short walk from the East River and that's just not the case in reality.

Thankfully the MTA app has taken a few huge leaps from where it was a couple years ago and that's probably a lot more useful to locals and visitors alike. I'm not so sure this map/diagram isn't a bit of a vanity design project (which I say as a creator of vanity design diagrams myself). The subway map inside the app is far superior to both of these — one drawn line for each train color, accurate geography, north stays north, and smartly chosen real-world markers as you zoom in (not to mention trip planning, bus routes and service status). Money well spent there!