Air Carrier Captain reported improvements in MIA ramp markings would reduce taxi confusion.
Synopsis
Air Carrier Captain reported improvements in MIA ramp markings would reduce taxi confusion.
Narrative
At night in MIA; after [a] rainstorm; taxiing in from landing on Runway 9. Clearance after crossing Runway 30 on Taxiway V; was 'V P HH hold short Y1.' As I approached [the Taxiway] P and Y intersection I observed an aircraft taxiing south on [Taxiway] HH approaching the Y2 intersection. At this moment I mistakenly thought the approaching aircraft was on [Taxiway] JJ; and I turned northbound on Taxiway Y thinking it was HH. As soon as I turned; I realized my mistake and stopped the aircraft short of [Taxiway] Y2. The approaching aircraft had stopped on HH; also short of Y2. I informed ground of my mistake and was given clearance to continue north on [Taxiway] Y and to transition to HH on Y2. The southbound aircraft continued clearance to transition to Y at Y2.In hindsight; that particular intersection area is an unlit wide open concrete pad that has many taxiways merging in a small area with many taxiway signs. I do believe in these particular intersections; it would be helpful to have the taxiway identifier painted on the tarmac with the lead in lines; much like the spot markings approaching airport gates. However; I could have prevented this situation; and will avoid repeating this in the future by simply stopping the aircraft when any doubt arises.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.