As the second largest transit system that provides 1.64 million rides daily, the Chicago Transit Authority knows how to communicate with its passengers. Comprised of 8 rapid transit routes (145 rail stations and 140 bus routes) that intertwine, providing highly visible maps are an essential tool to assist daily commuters, out of town visitors, and new residents navigate the system. In 2006, the CTA began purchasing Alpina Manufacturing’s Flip-Up Frames to display system maps in their stations. Victor A. Ramirez, graphics production coordinator with the CTA, has worked with Alpina since the beginning. He has ordered over 2,100 Alpina frames, in different styles and colors.
“Back in 2006, we were introducing smaller timetables than previous version that were as large at 30- x 60-inch on Sintra, a logistical and installation nightmare. I decided on a 27- x 40-inch sized rail timetable. Since the poster would be the same size as a movie theater poster, I should not have an issue printing them in-house and finding a frame that fit that size. That weekend, I was at a Denny’s restaurant with my family and saw a frame that flipped up and snapped shut with a poster was promoting their new breakfast menu. I immediately asked the manager who manufactured these and he came back with Alpina. It’s been a great collaboration ever since. Darius Augustine and his team know frames. We’ve done custom orders and the turn-around time is incredible. The CTA has informed other transit properties and local companies about the Flip-Up frames as well.”
Alpina Manufacturing’s products:
- Flip-Up Frame (snap)
- Slide-In Frame
- Cloudlight LED Frame
- Banner Grip Frame
- Rounded Corner Flip-Up Frame
- Mini Flip-Up Frame
