Eugenia Chien has been eavesdropping on the 47, 49, or 1 lines since the mid-90's. She lives by the adage, "Anything can happen on Muni" (and also, "That's not water.")

New BART signs: Easier to read, kinda ’80s-looking

new bart font

BART’s new signage started popping up at Civic Center Station a couple of weeks ago. Have you seen it? The new signs larger and easier to read, but the font looks a little ’80s to typography geeks. Do you agree?

In the photo above from BART.gov, the sign on the top is the old version which is still in use in many stations. The font on the new sign, below its predecessor, is a slightly different color and larger—actually, 38 percent larger than the old signs, according to BART.

BART also says the old signs were installed in 2000 and the bulbs were starting to break, and that the new signs have a higher resolution and higher contrast. In the next three to four months, BART will add the new signage to Powell, Montgomery, and Embarcadero Stations.

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BART worker writes a kind letter to return lost driver’s license

bart worker driver license

You know that sinking feeling when you discover that your driver’s license is not in your wallet, your purse, or all the pockets in the coats you could have possibly worn in the last six months? Kristen P. was in that boat a few weeks ago, but a surprise letter in the mail from a BART worker saved her day.

From Kristen:

To the “friendly BART worker” who mailed my CA driver’s license to me: THANK YOU!! You saved me about three hours of waiting in line at the DMV because I couldn’t get an appointment before we fly to Florida. You also restored my faith in humanity.

The BART worker’s letter said, “Kristen, I found your CDL in the BART trackway – thought you may need it back. Happy holidays, from your friendly BART worker.”

Meeting an unexpected fashion muse at the Muni stop

muni senior lady pink glases by meli

Muni rider Meli met a fashionable lady at the Muni stop the other day. From Meli: “I met an adorable senior by the bus stop last week, she had same hue of pink on her eyeglasses jacket lipstick.” Meli was so inspired that she sketched a portrait of her, seen above.

It’s nice to be reminded that beauty doesn’t only come from cookie-cutter, fashion model forms. I dream of dyeing my hair purple (or maybe pink) when I go gray and finally living my punk rock dreams.

By the way, for more unexpected style icons, drop in at the Chinatown Pretty‘s exhibit at 41 Ross gallery in Chinatown. The photography exhibit celebrates the street style of seniors living (and grocery shopping) in Chinatown. From the show’s organizers:

Clothes can tell a story – and in the case of Chinatown, it’s a story about a generation of men and women who immigrated from China to Chinatown, and their fashion philosophy (staying warm) and economic ideals (making their own clothes or preserving the ones they already have). Interviews, conducted with the help of Cantonese-speaking translators, will be displayed next to the photos.

Thanks Meli for our very own version of Advanced Style.

Remember to tag us @munidiaries or email us at muni.diaries.sf@gmail.com to submit your own slice of life on Muni, fashionable or otherwise!

Sunglass Cat shows you how to ride BART

Sunglass Cat is a “special needs” cat with a medical condition that requires wearing shades at almost all times, including riding BART. In case you think that its Person also dresses up the poor cat in silly undignified costumes, this is actually necessary to keep him warm! According to Sunglass Cat’s Facebook page, he can’t regular his body temperature so in the winter, Sunglass Cat needs many cozy outfits for his outings. Get ready for an express train to Feeladelphia when you watch the video above of the kitty wearing Christmas gear and bedazzle shades on the train.

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