CTA to rename 11 stops as soon as this year
It’s no secret that the CTA is just a giant money pit for the city. Between the overdue station renovations and its cost of running, the transit system doesn’t generate any profit for the city, and really doesn’t come close to breaking even at the end of the year. From fare hikes to station closures, there is no consensus on how the CTA should close the gap.
An abandoned idea from a few years ago, to allow companies and corporations to sponsor a station by naming it, looks like it could go into effect very soon.
Yes, your Belmont train station could soon be ‘Bank of America-Belmont’. While there’s no word on who will be buying what, we do know that the CTA has officially launched the program as of yesterday (5/30/2012).
We could only assume that the North/Clybourn stop will be bought by and named after Apple since the company practically owns that station already. And after dumping $4 million in renovations, “Apple expressed interest in renaming the station the Apple Red Line Stop.”
Other stations’ naming rights up in the air could include O’Hare, Fullerton, Belmont, Addison, Chicago, Grand/State, 95th, Midway, Ashland 63rd, and 79th.
According to their website, “CTA and IMG conducted market research which indicated that Chicagoans and CTA customers were open to and supportive of the idea of station sponsorship,” however I question their sample, as I cant think of anyone who would back an idea that not only diminishes an established tradition in Chicago, but also might make the rail lines harder to navigate.
It might be only a matter of time until Chicagoans are taking the BP© -Belmont stop on the Target™ Red Line to go to a ballgame at US Cellular™ Field.
…For a city that is rooted in tradition, Chicago sure is selling out.*
*Also see: Willis Tower
I’d suggest to cover the expense by making another tax for drivers and car owners in Chicago, but they’re already getting screwed over by parking fees and fines in this city. And I guess passing by a ‘Chase Bank-79th-Red line’ stop beats paying a fare hike or closing the station all together. *Sigh*
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