Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 21, 2012
Metro and Fairfax County launch survey for new Silver Line station names
Metro, in partnership with Fairfax County, today launched an online survey to collect public input on station names for the new Silver Line, which will extend Metrorail service to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County through the Tysons Corner, Reston, and Herndon areas of Fairfax County, Virginia.
The survey—available at wmata.com/silversurvey will remain open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, and includes proposed station names for the eight Silver Line stations in Fairfax County. Phase 1 of the Silver Line, currently under construction, includes five new stations that are expected to be named this summer. Customers taking the survey are also asked about their opinion on station names for three Fairfax County stations in Phase 2.
The primary purpose of a station name is to help customers plan their trips. Through previous research, Metro customers have indicated that station names help them locate destinations. Long lasting names in Metro's system have typically included the names of towns, streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks that have withstood the test of time. Metro has a policy that requires that names be:
- Relevant: Identify station locations by geographical features, centers of activity or be derived from the names of cities,communities, neighborhoods or landmarks within one-half mile (or walking distance) of the station;
- Brief: Limited to 19 characters with spaces and punctuation, including both primary and secondary names;
- Unique: Distinctive and not easily confused with other station names
- Evocative: Evoke imagery in the mind of the patron
Through the survey, which is available in English and Spanish, Metro hopes to identify station names that resonate with riders and provide assistance for customers planning their trips. Survey respondents have the option of writing in names of their choice or selecting from a list of proposed name for each station. The final names for the station must be approved by the Metro Board of Directors after formal submission by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
News release issued at 8:15 am, February 21, 2012.