The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is holding a virtual survey to get feedback from DC-area riders about planned name changes for a several stations.
“What’s in a name? When it comes to Metro stations, a lot,” Metro said in a release. “Station names are important to riders finding their way on the system, and they foster a ‘sense of place,’ often serving as the primary landmark and name for surrounding neighborhoods. However, if a Metro station name is no longer serving its intended purpose, a city or county can ask Metro to consider changing it.”
The transit agency received official requests recently from Fairfax County and Prince George’s County to change the names of some Metro stations within their jurisdiction.
Fairfax County wants Tysons Corner Station to be renamed as Tysons Station, dropping the word “Corner,” and Prince George’s County is aiming to change the name of Prince George’s Plaza Station to “Hyattsville Crossing.” The name of the adjacent “West Hyattsville Station” would remain the same.
WMATA’s Board of Directors will evaluate the applications and decide whether they will approve or decline them. As part of the process, the Board hopes to learn the thoughts of people who live in the area through a quick online survey.
You can take part in the survey through Monday, November 2, at 5 pm via this link.
According to Metro’s policy, the jurisdiction making the name change request must commit to funding the full cost of the change, such as reprinting maps, fabricating new permanent signs, and reprogramming systems that provide electronic information to customers — across the 91-station Metrorail system.
There are also certain guidelines for station names:
- Names should identify the station locations by geographic features such as landmarks or centers of activity.
- Names should be distinctive and evoke imagery in the mind of the patron.
- Names should be no longer than 19 characters, except for transfer station names, which should be no longer than 13 characters.