Toronto’s underground pedestrian walkway is expected to have its signage overhauled by 2018.

A new report by the Toronto Financial District BIA found that the current PATH system has substantial economic value but is an “underused asset” due to its confusing signage and mapping.

On Tuesday, the new PATH wayfinding concept was revealed in a 39 page strategy report. It outlines a plan that will help to “develop a functional specification and design concept for an improved PATH wayfinding system that will meet the needs of both users and key stakeholders.”

According to the report, the current signage and organization method in the PATH is “confusing, inflexible, unpredictable, inconsistent and outdated.”

A 2016 survey by the Toronto Financial District BIA found that 81 per cent of PATH users find the current map and signage is not helpful for navigation.

The report goes on to indicate how an improved and expanded PATH routing can increase a user base and thus has the potential to create additional jobs and revenue.

It said that “every 1 per cent increase in usership of the PATH” has the ability to increase sales revenue by $17 million, HST by $2 million and property taxes to the city by $285,000.

The new PATH wayfinding system would include a signage system that utilizes recognizable logos for the TTC and GO Stations, ‘You are here’ indicators placed uniquely on maps around the PATH and info stands located nearby key PATH intersections.

The new proposed signage will also indicate when ground levels change and where the best routes and exits for accessibility are located.

A pilot project is expected to be developed in order for the concept to come to fruition by sometime this summer.

A mobile application that coordinates with PATH signage and mapping is not expected to be complete until 2018.