The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is exploring expanded corporate sponsorships, leading to speculation it may rename subway stations after commercial backers.
“We haven’t come to any conclusions yet. I think you can say we are trying to explore every possible option,” said MTA spokesman Jeremy Soffin.
Last month, the MTA announced measures to close a $700 million hole in its budget, including two fare hikes in an 18-month period and more ad opportunities.
Among those are a deal with CNN to broadcast news in six stations and ads on the exterior of subway cars and inside tunnels.
Rider advocates have long been skeptical about pairing corporate insignias to a station.
“You couldn’t rename a station. People still need to know where they’re going,” said Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign. “You want to go to 42nd Street, not Disneyland.”