How Many Maps?

I haven't written much about station names because, frankly, they could be named after cross streets or numbered for all I care. It'd be just as helpful as "NoMa." Just get me around in a safe and timely manner without offloads and single tracking.

The Metro Board, on the other hand, urged on by those who seem to think station names are the most vital issue facing Metro in the past four decades, has spent hours and hours over the past months micromanaging a completely peripheral affair.

They abridge while Metro burns!

(If you want to know the changes that are coming, check out the Metro press release.)

Today, though, reader Chris pointed out something potentially oh-so-Metro about this whole fool's errand:

In Metro's press release today they said the following:

"New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U will be renamed "NoMa-Gallaudet U." "New York Ave" will be shown as a secondary name for one-year to assist customers during the transition."

If I read this right, this means we get new maps in 2012 and then in 2013, they CHANGE the new maps out again so that they don't read "New York Ave." anymore.

Is that right?

Furthermore, how much do you think it costs to change every map in the system, online, print brochures, etc? And then to do it again one year later for three words?

I've tweeted @wmata this question but of course got no reply.

WTOP has an estimate of what changing the signage inside each station costs.

I asked Metro if, in fact, there were going to be three maps in the coming years, the "New York Ave." one, the no New York Ave. one and then the one with the Silver Line station names. No word yet.

So here's your chance Metro. Jump in like you used to and answer this question. Tell us you're not wasting another chunk of our money with this naming/map business.

Other items:
Metro says it needs $2 billion more (Examiner)
Metro hired accountant convicted of bank fraud (Wash. Times)
Another Metro fight (YouTube)