Revamped MTA Subway Map Wins Cannes Award

NEW YORK CITY — Revamped. Eye-catching. First-of-its-kind.

All those descriptors easily could have been applied — and were — to MTA's new Live Subway Map when officials released it.

Now, a new plaudit can be added: Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity award winner.

“The Cannes Lions Festival is akin to the Oscars for digital, marketing and advertising programs, and features entries from brands all over the globe," said Sarah Meyer, MTA's chief customer officer, in a statement. "I am elated that the Live Subway Map was not just considered, but awarded a Gold Lion."

MTA officials announced the Gold Lion win Thursday. The web-based map designed pro bono by Work & Co. won out over submissions by Expedia.com, U.S. Air Force, Shiseido, Meter Environment and Fondation de France, according to a release.

When released in October, the map counted as the first major design in 40 years.

Riders can check the map for real-time update on train arrivals. Those who zoom into the map can see trains traveling in real time down their lines along a geographically-correct street map showing subway entrances, station names and more.

The map has since won numerous awards, including a Webby Award and Webby People’s Award for “Best Mobile User Experience."