Sale of facility naming rights is receiving increased attention as a potential revenue source for transportation. Most people are familiar with sales of naming rights for sports stadiums, where a private company pays to attach its name to a facility. Transportation officials in several states-including Massachusetts and Virginia-have explored options for selling naming rights to highways, rest areas, rail and transit stations, and toll plazas. Such money, while likely insufficient to meet capital expenses, could help pay for maintenance and facility operations. Experts have estimated that naming rights at stadiums generate approximately $1 million to $2 million in annual revenue.19
Opponents argue that the sale of naming rights can overly commercialize public venues. People may object when corporate names are attached to historic or popular transportation facilities. If a corporation that purchases the naming rights is disagreeable to many people, the project could become even more controversial. For example, a Hustler train station might be objectionable to many people.