MBTA may sell station naming rights

BOSTON -- The MBTA, seeking creative ways to close the budget gap, may start selling naming rights to ‘T’ stations.

MBTA officials say they are doing everything they can to turn a profit before resorting to a rate hike.

VIEWER VOICES: How do you feel about the MBTA selling naming rights to 'T' stations to close the budget gap?

"You know we won't be putting Yankee names for example," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. "But things like Alewife station sponsored by X brand." 

Companies would be able to rename -- and brand -- some of the most popular stations like Fenway, Downtown Crossing, and Park Street.

Boston local Linda Pilkington thinks the new arrangement could be fun. "It will be nice to see something different," she said. "I hope it works. I really do."

This recent venture, targeting the scores of commuters who ride the 'T' everyday, follows an earlier MBTA approach for attracting profits -- the transportation authority's online store that sells Charlie-doctored souvenirs including flip-flops and sweatshirts.

Some institutions have already approached the MBTA about branding, said Davey, citing universities as one example. No price has been set for how much renaming would cost, though Davey said the MBTA is hoping all of its initiatives will raise millions of dollars and help chip away at its $137 million deficit.

(Copyright (c) 2011 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)