New maps in subway to help commuters better navigate capital

Bilingual maps with metro stations, main streets and other landmarks around each station have now appeared in the Tbilisi subway system.

The idea was the initiative of a youth group united under the Urban Lab project, which aims to help both local and foreign commuters better navigate Tbilisi.

Author of the idea Sandro Targamadze wrote on his personal Facebook page yesterday that soon all subway cars would be equipped with maps containing detailed information about the subway system, directions, districts and sightseeing.

I and the entire team of the Urban Lab have been working on this [idea] for a very long time”, Targamadze said, thanking the Tbilisi Transport Company and online funding platform Orbeliani Georgia for their support in turning their idea into a reality.

With the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Orbeliani Georgia announced an open call for projects aimed at bringing about positive social change last year.

The idea to update the subway system’s maps was among one of the winners. The team worked on an entirely voluntary basis and asked for only 1,640 GEL to print 324 subway scheme posters.

Director of Orbeliani Georgia Keti Khachidze said the map of Tbilisi metro stations has not been updated for decades. She believes the new bilingual map will make it easier for tourists and newcomers to navigate around the capital and get to their destination.

Director of Urban Lab Giorgi Babunashvili said a jury uniting representatives of Tbilisi City Hall, Tbilisi Transport Company, Orbeliani Georgia, experts in urban development and architects selected Iana Shavganchuk for her design of the the subway map from other competitors.