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Mass. Senate approves measure to sell MBTA naming rights

BOSTON (AP) -- The Massachusetts Senate is calling on the MBTA to consider selling naming rights for subway and commuter rail stations.
 
The measure approved Saturday was one of dozens of proposed amendments to a transportation finance bill being considered by senators. The measure also asks the MBTA to name a private contractor to sell naming rights and other advertising on the transit system.
 
Supporters of the measure predicted it could generate about $20 million for the cash-strapped T.
 
Still, opponents objected to the notion of attaching corporate names to iconic subway stations such as Park Street or Copley. Boston Democratic Sen. Sonia-Chang Diaz said she did not want to put a price tag on history.
 
Backers, however, said naming rights could be sold creatively without infringing on tradition.