Sound Transit had a little treble with this light rail station, so it changed its name for the local symphony

After years of surveys, meetings and deliberations, Sound Transit has officially changed the name of one of Seattle’s light rail stations downtown. What was once the University Street Station is now, "Symphony Station."

When transit riders hear that name announced, they might not realize how close they are to the Seattle Symphony. As the Associate Principal Flute player Jeffrey Barker explains, they can find the orchestra right upstairs.

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“We have basically a light rail stop in Benaroya Hall, in our home," he said.

Both Benaroya Hall and the light rail station are located between Second and Third Avenues downtown, and between Union and University streets. Sound Transit replaced the University Street name to eliminate confusion with the newer stations that serve the University of Washington. In a survey, Symphony Station was the most popular alternative.

Barker said he’s proud to have the orchestra’s presence reflected in the new name.

“We want to make Benaroya Hall a place where the whole community feels welcome,” he said. “So to have that on a public transportation stop seems really perfect.”

When transit riders hear that name, he said, “If they’ve been to the symphony before I hope it reminds them of the last concert they heard. And if they haven’t heard the Seattle Symphony before, maybe it will inspire them to look us up.”

Officials with the Seattle Symphony and Sound Transit will hold an official renaming ceremony next Monday at 11 a.m., at the station’s Second Avenue entrance under Benaroya Hall.

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