Resolution No.

R2021-14
Updating Sound Transit’s Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy

Meeting: Date: Type of action: Staff contact:

Executive Committee 10/7/2021 Recommend to Board Russ Arnold, Chief Passenger

Experience & Innovation Officer
Board 10/28/2021 Final action Candace Toth, Manager,
Wayfinding and Signage

Proposed action
Adopts an updated Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy and supersedes Resolution No. R2012-02.

Key features summary

• The policy addresses station naming for Link light rail, Sounder, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and
Tacoma Link, and naming of lines and non-station facilities.
• Recommended name categories and criteria for station names are incorporated into the policy for
best practice.
• Standard naming conventions for lines and non-station facilities are also outlined in the policy.
• Compared to R2012-02, this policy is more focused on industry best practices and passenger
wayfinding than previously, with a goal of providing better staff guidance, avoiding rework, and
ensuring station names prioritize wayfinding and a positive passenger experience.
• This policy incorporates criteria for renaming stations, including a 10 year minimum on renaming
efforts. This 10 year minimum is suggested to avoid significant rework costs, to allow existing assets
to reach end-of-life, and to align with system expansion efforts.
• This policy would adjust the final naming process to start earlier than it has historically happened –
immediately after project is selected to be built.
• Memorial naming of stations and lines, and corporate naming of stations, lines, and non-station
facilities is not allowed in this policy. Memorial and corporate naming may be covered in future
policies, if there is interest in pursuing policies around these topics.
• Staff will develop an agency procedure to support this resolution, with further details on
implementing the policy.

Background
This policy documents the new line names, which were previously adopted. The motivation to update
this policy began with discussions and plans around renaming University St. Station.
This policy addresses and provides clarity for all modes under expansion, which will reduce analysis and
rework time for project teams, with the potential for cost savings. Future Board actions may include
policies around memorial and corporate naming.
Policy needs action in Q4 2021 so there is appropriate time for consideration for Federal Way Link
Extension, Downtown Redmond Link Extension, and in particular the University Street rename
decisions, which need to be renamed in Q4 to ensure adequate time to incorporate into the opening of
East Link.

Fiscal information
The updated policy has no budget or financial impact. This policy will inform future station namings.

Small business participation and apprenticeship utilization

Not applicable to this action.

Public involvement
Presented to the Transit Access Coalition (TAC) July 15, 2021. The TAC was supportive of these
updates to the policy.

Time constraints
Bus Rapid Transit and NE L2-10 (NE 130th Infill Station on Lynnwood Link) due to realignment
decisions will be incorporating the inclusion of this policy in naming decisions.
A one-month delay would not create a significant impact to the impacted project schedules.

Prior Board/Committee actions

Resolution No. R2012-02: Established a policy for naming Sound Transit facilities, including stations,
maintenance bases, portals and other facilities and a naming structure for Link system lines and
extensions.

Environmental review – KH 9/22/21

Legal review – AJP 10/1/21

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 2 of 2

Staff Report
Resolution No. R2021-14 Updating Sound Transit’s Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy
Policy Crosswalk: Proposed Revisions to Resolution No. R2012-02
Existing Policy (Resolution No. R2012-02) Proposed Policy (Resolution No. R2021-14) Justification
Not in R2012-02
1.0 Scope Scope section was added to be consistent with
the new template for Board resolutions.
1.1 This policy addresses public-facing names
for stations, lines and non-station facilities
1.2 added to ensure this policy does not require
such as maintenance bases, portals and
significant renaming efforts of stations with
other facilities. This policy does not cover
Board-adopted names.
internally used names, station codes or
facility designations.
1.2 This policy applies to stations, lines and
non-station facilities named or renamed
after adoption of this policy.
Not in R2012-02
2.0 Definitions Definitions added to ensure uniform
understanding and usage of terms.
2.1 Landmark: A feature, institution or attraction
within a 0.25 mile walk of a station that is
As landmark is one of the proposed name
easily recognized and enables someone to
categories, providing staff guidance on what
establish their location, such as visitor
qualifies as a landmark to reduce analysis and
attractions, performance venues, historical
rework.
buildings, major parks, civic structures,
hospitals and institutions of higher
education.
2.2 Line names: Name for an entire route of a
mode that connects individual stations.
2.3 Station: A facility owned by Sound Transit
that has a platform and serves as a regular
stop on a mode of public transit.
2.4 Station name: The public-facing name of a
station reflected on signage and maps.

Form last updated 03/08/2019

 Not in R2012-02 3.0 Policy
3.1 and 3.2 encapsulate why this policy is being
3.1 Sound Transit names stations, lines and non-
substantially changed: to reduce passenger
station facilities consistently and in a way that
confusion, eliminate redundant/similar names,
ensures continued relevancy of names, allows for
and name stations to reduce the risk of
future system expansion, reduces passenger
renaming.
confusion and decreases the likelihood of
renaming.
3.2 Station names should relate to the geography
of the station location and prioritize wayfinding so
that passengers may self-orient within the transit
system and region.
Section 1. Naming Process Removed Public input is still required and is now outlined
in 3.3.4.
Public input will be received on potential names
during the standard 30 percent facility design Timing requirements for public input will be
review process. outlined in the associated agency procedure.
Communication with the public and stakeholders 3.3.4 Public input. Staff seeks input through Content is similar between R2012-02 and new
will be included in regular project public, jurisdiction, partner, passenger and policy, but was rewritten to be in line with the
communications and will identify the Board as stakeholder engagement that informs the naming new template.
the final authority in determining a permanent process. Staff presents the results of the input to
facility name. Additionally, stakeholders, the Board for consideration when selecting final
jurisdictional partners, and transit agencies will station names.
be notified of the process and how to provide
input.
Not in R2012-02 3.3.5 Board adoption. The Board adopts final Language included to make it clearer that Board
station names based on the criteria outlined in performs final adoptions of Board policies.
this policy.
Permanent names will be considered by the 2.5 Naming of stations Timing for adoption of station names moved to
Board at Gate 5 of Sound Transit's Phase Gate earlier in the process, to reduce rework and get
3.3.1 The agency uses temporary station
process. cost savings in design drawings, other
names during project development. Staff begins
collateral.
the final station naming process after the Board
selects the project to be built.
Section 2. Facility Naming Criteria 3.3.2 Priorities for identifying potential names Additional criteria provided based on peer
research and best practices, to guide staff

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 2 of 7

Staff Report Attachment A
 Sound Transit facilities will be named based on 3.3.2.a Commuter rail and light rail stations. analysis and public input conversations,
established criteria. Names will: Station names should be chosen in this order: 1) eliminate confusion, and avoid rework.
• Reflect the nature of the environment: city, 2) neighborhood, 3) landmark and 4) street
neighborhoods, street names, landmarks, or combination of a city or neighborhood name
plus geographical locations with a minor street or landmark. End-of-line
stations should have city names whenever
possible. If the first prioritized name category has
already been taken by a transit station (owned by
any transit agency), the agency selects another
name within these categories.

3.3.2.b Bus rapid transit stations. The agency

names bus rapid transit stations similarly to
existing bus stops to reduce passenger confusion.
Bus rapid transit station names should be chosen
in this order: 1) transit facility where the station is
located and 2) street or intersection.
Not in R2012-02 3.3.3 Criteria for evaluating and choosing a Additional criteria provided based on peer
permanent name. When multiple station name research and best practices, to guide staff
options are identified, station names must be analysis and public input conversations,
considered based on their adherence to the eliminate confusion, and avoid rework.
following principles:
(Section 2 continued) 3.3.3.d Be intuitive: Be easy to understand and Additional specificity and definitions of each
use for all passengers, including passengers with principle provided to reduce rework and improve
Be brief and easy to read and remember limited English proficiency. clarity.

3.3.3.g Be brief and easy to remember: Be three

words or less, 26 characters or less, easy to read
and memorable.
Not in R2012-02 3.3.3.e Be easily implemented: Work well Principle supports ADA and diverse rider needs
throughout the passenger experience (e.g., audio, to ensure station naming is clear.
visual and tactile experiences).
(Section 2 continued) 3.3.3.c Be accessible: Comply with the Requirement to meet ADA is the same.
Americans with Disabilities Act and have positive Character limit has been moved to 3.3.3.g
Comply with federal Americans with Disabilities or neutral impacts to passengers with disabilities.
Act (ADA) guidelines and requirements and be
limited to 30 characters

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 3 of 7

Staff Report Attachment A
 (Section 2 continued) 3.3.3.f Reflect geography: Avoid corporate Decision made by policy team to explicitly
names, honorific naming and commercial exclude corporate, honorific, and commercial
Avoid commercial references because they may references. naming. This policy can be updated in the
change, prove confusing to the public and be future, alongside a corporate or memorial
costly to change policy, if there is interest in pursuing these types
of opportunities.
(Section 2 continued) 3.3.3.a Avoid redundancy: Be distinct from names Rewritten to be consistent with the new
of existing stations including those owned by the template for Board policies.
Avoid similar names or words in existing facility agency and those owned by other transit
names agencies, unless stations are co-located.
Not in R2012-02 3.3.3.b Be appropriate: Utilize language that is Principle supports equity to ensure station
appropriate throughout communities within the naming is clear.
service area.
Section 3. Link System Naming Structure 3.4 Naming of lines New alphanumeric line names presented to the
Board in spring of 2020 based on best practices
Link lines and stations will be named using a 3.4.1 Line names for all modes use an and are now documented in this policy. Line
comprehensive approach that represents a alphanumeric identifier as the primary name, end- names are being rolled out with the opening of
system. The line name, "Central Link", will be of-line stations as the secondary name, and line Northgate Link.
gradually phased out and the entire system will colors and shape icons as supporting visual
be referred to as "Link." Each line will have an indicators.
"end-of-the-line" destination name and an
associated color, which is ADA compliant. 3.4.2 Names are determined, used and retired
based on the following criteria:

3.4.2.a Extensions of existing rail and bus rapid

transit lines use the end-of-line station and mode
name.

3.4.2.b New rail lines use both end-of-line stations

and the mode name, while new bus rapid transit
lines use the primary corridor and mode name.

3.4.2.c Project names are permanently retired

after revenue service begins, at which point the
line name is used.

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 4 of 7

Staff Report Attachment A
 Section 4 . Early planning names 3.3.1 The agency uses temporary station Language around temporary names included to
names during project development. Staff begins clarify that while these names are temporarily
Names for Sound Transit facilities in early the final station naming process after the Board used, staff analyzes permanent names which
planning phases through final design should be· selects the project to be built. are ultimately adopted by the Board.
determined by either proximity to streets, transit
centers or permanent public institutions, and
should not be commercial in nature. The Link
system naming structure may also be applied to
projects that are undergoing Alternative Analysis.
Not in R2012-02 3.3.6 Renaming. The agency renames stations Renaming section added based on peer
only in rare circumstances when the benefit to research and best practices. Risks with frequent
passengers outweighs the inherent advantages of station renames include passenger confusion,
retaining the existing name. poor wayfinding, and lack of support by the
community depending on the requestor. Internal
3.3.6.a The agency should only consider risks include significant rework costs associated
renaming a station after 10 years of revenue with staff analysis, and agency assets: signage,
service or the adoption of the previous name, onboard and in-station digital systems, ticket
whichever is most recent. vending machines, websites, and
communications media.
3.3.6.b To reduce rework costs, renaming should
align with system expansion efforts. This section was included (in addition to the
criteria and other guidance on naming in the
3.3.6.c A requestor outside of the agency must policy) to reduce the instances of renaming and
complete the following applicable actions to provide the agency with guidance to better
propose a change to a station name: evaluate renaming requests.
• Conduct outreach in the surrounding
community,
• Demonstrate significant local support for
the rename,
• Show a significant quality increase
between the old and new name,
• Demonstrate how the proposed name
adheres to the criteria in this policy and
• Commit to pay for the associated systems
cost of the station renaming.
3.3.6.d Upon completion of section 3.3.6.c, staff
presents the Board with analysis pursuant to this

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 5 of 7

Staff Report Attachment A
 policy. The Board determines whether to adopt
the proposed rename.
Not in R2012-02 3.5 Naming of non-station facilities. Sound This section was included to document and
Transit-owned non-station facilities should be provide visibility and clarity on existing naming
named according to the following naming conventions for non-station facilities.
conventions.

3.5.1 Transit centers that serve express

bus lines are named after the city or
neighborhood in which they are located.

3.5.2 Parking garages follow the name

of the station at which they are located.

3.5.3 Operations and maintenance

facilities, maintenance bases and bus
bases are assigned a cardinal direction to
differentiate them based on location.

3.5.4 Maintenance of way buildings,

which, if present at an operations and
maintenance facility, are simply named
maintenance of way. If located outside of
an operations and maintenance facility,
the name is assigned a cardinal direction.

3.5.5 Portals are generally named after

the neighborhood location or nearest
station.
Not in R2012-02 3.6 Honorific and memorial naming. Sound Decision made by policy team to explicitly
Transit names stations and lines to facilitate exclude corporate, honorific, and commercial
wayfinding for passengers and not to honor or naming. This policy can be updated in the
memorialize individuals, events or groups. future, alongside a corporate or memorial
policy, if there is interest in pursuing these types
of opportunities.

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 6 of 7

Staff Report Attachment A
 Not in R2012-02 3.7 Corporate naming. Sound Transit does Decision made by policy team to explicitly
not sell naming rights for stations, lines or non- exclude corporate, honorific, and commercial
station facilities. naming. This policy can be updated in the
future, alongside a corporate or memorial
policy, if there is interest in pursuing these types
of opportunities.
Not in R2012-02 3.8 Delegation of authority. The chief Included to make transparent the authority the
executive officer is authorized to name lines and CEO holds with naming of lines and non-station
non-station facilities consistent with the criteria in facilities.
this policy.

Resolution No. R2021-14 Page 7 of 7

Staff Report Attachment A
Resolution No. R2021-14
Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy
A RESOLUTION of the Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority adopting a Station,
Line and Facility Naming Policy and superseding Resolution No. R2012-02.

WHEREAS, the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, commonly known as Sound
Transit, was formed under chapters 81.104 and 81.112 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) for
the Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties region by action of their respective county councils pursuant
to RCW 81.112.030; and
WHEREAS, Sound Transit is authorized to plan, construct and permanently operate a high-
capacity system of transportation infrastructure and services to meet regional public transportation
needs in the Central Puget Sound region; and
WHEREAS, in general elections held within the Sound Transit district on November 5, 1996,
November 4, 2008 and November 8, 2016, voters approved local funding to implement a regional high-
capacity transportation system for the Central Puget Sound region; and
WHEREAS, Sound Transit uses station and line names for wayfinding, signage, schedules and
information for all modes; and
WHEREAS, the Sound Transit Board recognizes the value of a systemwide, comprehensive and
consistent approach for selecting the permanent names of lines, stations and non-station facilities; and
WHEREAS, continuity and permanence of names is critical for the development and maintenance
of a passenger-friendly transit system; and
WHEREAS, Sound Transit recognizes that its passengers and the public have a vested interest in
the names of stations and lines in their region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional
Transit Authority that Resolution No. R2012-02 is superseded with a Station, Line and Facility Naming
Policy, which is hereby adopted as follows:

1.0 Scope
1.1 This policy addresses public-facing names for stations, lines and non-station facilities such as
maintenance bases, portals and other facilities. This policy does not cover internally used names,
station codes or facility designations.
1.2 This policy applies to stations, lines and non-station facilities named or renamed after adoption of
this policy.

2.0 Definitions
2.1 Landmark: A feature, institution or attraction within a 0.25 mile walk of a station that is easily
recognized and enables someone to establish their location, such as visitor attractions,
performance venues, historical buildings, major parks, civic structures, hospitals and institutions of
higher education.
2.2 Line names: Name for an entire route of a mode that connects individual stations.
2.3 Station: A facility owned by Sound Transit that has a platform and serves as a regular stop on a
mode of public transit.
2.4 Station name: The public-facing name of a station reflected on signage and maps.

3.0 Policy
3.1 Sound Transit names stations, lines and non-station facilities consistently and in a way that
ensures continued relevancy of names, allows for future system expansion, reduces passenger
confusion and decreases the likelihood of renaming.
3.2 Station names should relate to the geography of the station location and prioritize wayfinding so
that passengers may self-orient within the transit system and region.
3.3 Naming of stations
3.3.1 The agency uses temporary station names during project development. Staff begins the
final station naming process after the Board selects the project to be built.
3.3.2 Priorities for identifying potential names
3.3.2.a Commuter rail and light rail stations. Station names should be chosen in this
order: 1) city, 2) neighborhood, 3) landmark and 4) street or combination of a city
or neighborhood name with a minor street or landmark. End-of-line stations
should have city names whenever possible. If the first prioritized name category
has already been taken by a transit station (owned by any transit agency), the
agency selects another name within these categories.
3.3.2.b Bus rapid transit stations. The agency names bus rapid transit stations
similarly to existing bus stops to reduce passenger confusion. Bus rapid transit
station names should be chosen in this order: 1) transit facility where the station
is located and 2) street or intersection.
3.3.3 Criteria for evaluating and choosing a permanent name. When multiple station name
options are identified, station names must be considered based on their adherence to the
following principles:
3.3.3.a Avoid redundancy: Be distinct from names of existing stations including those
owned by the agency and those owned by other transit agencies, unless stations
are co-located.
3.3.3.b Be appropriate: Utilize language that is appropriate throughout communities
within the service area.
3.3.3.c Be accessible: Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and have positive
or neutral impacts to passengers with disabilities.
3.3.3.d Be intuitive: Be easy to understand and use for all passengers, including
passengers with limited English proficiency.
3.3.3.e Be easily implemented: Work well throughout the passenger experience (e.g.,
audio, visual and tactile experiences).
3.3.3.f Reflect geography: Avoid corporate names, honorific naming and commercial
references.
3.3.3.g Be brief and easy to remember: Be three words or less, 26 characters or less,
easy to read and memorable.

Resolution No. R2021-14

Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy Page 2 of 4
 3.3.4 Public input. Staff seeks input through public, jurisdiction, partner, passenger and
stakeholder engagement that informs the naming process. Staff presents the results of the
input to the Board for consideration when selecting final station names.
3.3.5 Board adoption. The Board adopts final station names based on the criteria outlined in
this policy.
3.3.6 Renaming. The agency renames stations only in rare circumstances when the benefit to
passengers outweighs the inherent advantages of retaining the existing name.
3.3.6.a The agency should only consider renaming a station after 10 years of revenue
service or the adoption of the previous name, whichever is most recent.
3.3.6.b To reduce rework costs, renaming should align with system expansion efforts.
3.3.6.c A requestor outside of the agency must complete the following applicable actions
to propose a change to a station name:
● Conduct outreach in the surrounding community,
● Demonstrate significant local support for the rename,
● Show a significant quality increase between the old and new name,
● Demonstrate how the proposed name adheres to the criteria in this policy
and
● Commit to pay for the associated systems cost of the station renaming.
3.3.6.d Upon completion of section 3.3.6.c, staff presents the Board with analysis
pursuant to this policy. The Board determines whether to adopt the proposed
rename.
3.4 Naming of lines
3.4.1 Line names for all modes use an alphanumeric identifier as the primary name, end-of-line
stations as the secondary name, and line colors and shape icons as supporting visual
indicators.
3.4.2 Names are determined, used and retired based on the following criteria:
3.4.2.a Extensions of existing rail and bus rapid transit lines use the end-of-line station
and mode name.
3.4.2.b New rail lines use both end-of-line stations and the mode name, while new bus
rapid transit lines use the primary corridor and mode name.
3.4.2.c Project names are permanently retired after revenue service begins, at which
point the line name is used.
3.5 Naming of non-station facilities. Sound Transit-owned non-station facilities should be named
according to the following naming conventions.
3.5.1 Transit centers that serve express bus lines are named after the city or neighborhood in
which they are located.
3.5.2 Parking garages follow the name of the station at which they are located.
3.5.3 Operations and maintenance facilities, maintenance bases and bus bases are assigned a
cardinal direction to differentiate them based on location.

Resolution No. R2021-14

Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy Page 3 of 4
 3.5.4 Maintenance of way buildings, which, if present at an operations and maintenance facility,
are simply named maintenance of way. If located outside of an operations and
maintenance facility, the name is assigned a cardinal direction.
3.5.5 Portals are generally named after the neighborhood location or nearest station.
3.6 Honorific and memorial naming. Sound Transit names stations and lines to facilitate wayfinding
for passengers and not to honor or memorialize individuals, events or groups.
3.7 Corporate naming. Sound Transit does not sell naming rights for stations, lines or non-station
facilities.
3.8 Delegation of authority. The chief executive officer is authorized to name lines and non-station
facilities consistent with the criteria in this policy.

4.0 References
4.1 Motion No. M98-58 Policy on Design Issues for ATMs, Bicycles, Passenger Amenities and
Signage
4.2 Motion No. M98-60 Policy on Design Issues for Link Light Rail
4.3 Motion No. M99-46 Revised Policy Regarding Advertising on Sound Transit Vehicles and at
Transit Facilities and Stations
4.4 Resolution No. R2011-15 Inclusive Public Participation and Community Outreach (Title VI) Policy
4.5 Resolution No. R2013-03 Parking and System Access Policy

ADOPTED by the Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority at a regular meeting
thereof held on ___________________.

Kent Keel
Board Chair
Attest:

Kathryn Flores
Board Administrator

Resolution No. R2021-14

Station, Line and Facility Naming Policy Page 4 of 4