METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Sponsored transit station names are already a reality in Philadelphia where the Broad Street line’s AT&T station netted the city $3 million.

Would it work in Metro Vancouver?

The transit authority isn’t actively looking for bids, but they’re not against the idea either says TransLink‘s Ian Jarvis.

“That’s something we would look at but again we got to reflect our community values before we went ahead and did something like that. We would not do that on our own,” says Jarvis.

Transportation Minister Mary Polak said she’d be supportive of whichever direction TransLink decided to take.

Jarvis said any sponsorship deals would have to be approved by city council in the jurisdiction the station falls under.

They’re not out canvassing door to door looking for sponsorship nor have they been approached by any businesses about the idea, but if it were to come up, it would at least be considered says Jarvis.

US cities like Philadelphia and Chicago have adopted the practice to some extent. Philly even netted a cool $3 million in a one-station deal with AT&T.

Confusing commuters is the biggest worry. Jarvis said any potential naming rights would have to be okay with the surrounding community as well.