Public opinion on the names of 45 tram stations to be collected online and offline from April 16th

 Daejeon Metropolitan City is embarking on a public engagement process to finalize the names for the 45 stations of its highly anticipated Urban Railway Line 2 tram system. The city has prepared a set of proposed names and is now actively seeking input from its citizens to ensure the chosen monikers are both practical for users and reflective of the region's identity.

The public consultation period will run from April 16th to April 30th, offering multiple avenues for participation. Online submissions can be made through the city's participatory platform, "Daejeon Siso", as well as the official websites of Daejeon City and its five district offices (Seo-gu, Jung-gu, Dong-gu, Yuseong-gu, and Daedeok-gu). Additionally, citizens can share their thoughts via Daejeon's official social media channels. For those preferring offline methods, hard-copy feedback forms will be available at the Citizen Communication and Complaint Division of the Daejeon City Hall and the Civil Affairs and Passport Divisions of the five district offices.

Beyond the general public, the city is also committed to gathering feedback from its own administrative bodies, including the main city hall, its affiliated agencies, branch offices, the five district offices, and relevant public organizations. This comprehensive approach aims to incorporate a wide range of perspectives into the naming process. Following the conclusion of the public opinion gathering period, the proposed names, along with the collected feedback, will undergo a thorough review by the respective district naming committees and the Daejeon City Naming Committee. The final station names are expected to be officially announced and publicized by October.

The city anticipates that this inclusive public consultation will not only heighten citizen interest in the upcoming tram system but also contribute to the selection of station names that enhance user convenience and effectively capture the unique character and history of the local areas they serve.

This initiative builds upon the city's prior disclosure in August 2024, when the preliminary locations and provisional names (placeholders) for the tram stations were made public in accordance with the basic plan for the Urban Railway Line 2. Subsequently, in adherence to Article 96-3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Establishment and Management of Spatial Data, the city meticulously developed the current set of proposed names. This process involved a comprehensive consideration of various factors, including administrative district names, historical significance of the locations, proximity to major facilities, and relevance to local tourist attractions. Furthermore, the proposed names underwent a rigorous pre-consultation with experts in relevant fields to ensure their appropriateness and clarity.

Choi Jong-su, Director of the Daejeon Metropolitan City's Urban Railway Construction Bureau, emphasized the importance of public involvement in this crucial aspect of the tram project. "As the tram will become an integral part of our citizens' daily lives, it is paramount that the station names are user-friendly and resonate with the sentiments and perspectives of the people of Daejeon," Director Choi stated. He further urged active participation from the community, saying, "We sincerely request the enthusiastic involvement and valuable opinions of all our citizens in this important process."

Background and Significance of the Daejeon Tram Project

The Daejeon Urban Railway Line 2 tram project represents a significant investment in the city's public transportation infrastructure, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, promoting environmentally sustainable transportation options, and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents. Unlike the existing subway line (Line 1), the tram system will operate primarily on the surface, offering greater accessibility and a more integrated connection with the urban landscape. The project has been in the planning stages for several years, with extensive feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments conducted to ensure its long-term viability and minimal disruption to the city.

The selection of appropriate and meaningful names for the tram stations is a critical component of this project. Well-chosen names can serve as landmarks, providing clear orientation for passengers and reflecting the cultural, historical, or functional significance of the surrounding areas. Conversely, poorly chosen or confusing names can lead to inconvenience and hinder the usability of the public transportation system. Therefore, the city's commitment to a thorough and inclusive naming process underscores its dedication to creating a user-centric and community-oriented tram network.

Criteria for Naming Tram Stations

The "Act on the Establishment and Management of Spatial Data" and its Enforcement Decree provide guidelines for the naming of public facilities, including transportation infrastructure. These regulations emphasize the consideration of several key factors to ensure that names are logical, informative, and respectful of local context. In the case of Daejeon's tram stations, the city has reportedly taken the following criteria into account in formulating the proposed names:

Administrative District Names: Utilizing the names of the administrative districts through which the tram line passes can provide a clear geographical reference for passengers.
Historical Significance: Incorporating names related to the historical events, figures, or landmarks associated with the station's vicinity can help preserve and promote local heritage.
Major Facilities: Naming stations after prominent nearby facilities, such as government buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, shopping centers, or cultural venues, can enhance wayfinding and accessibility.
Tourist Attractions: Identifying stations based on their proximity to significant tourist destinations can make the tram system more convenient for visitors and potentially boost tourism.
Local Landmarks and Topography: Names referencing well-known local landmarks, natural features (like rivers or mountains), or distinctive topographical elements can contribute to a stronger sense of place.
Public Input: As demonstrated by the current initiative, actively soliciting and considering the opinions of the local community is crucial for ensuring that the names resonate with the people who will be using the tram system.

The Role of the Naming Committees

Following the public consultation, the proposed station names and the collected feedback will be carefully reviewed by two levels of naming committees. The district-level naming committees, composed of local experts and representatives, will first assess the names relevant to their respective jurisdictions. Their recommendations will then be forwarded to the Daejeon City Naming Committee, a broader body with city-wide representation and expertise in geography, history, and linguistics. This committee will conduct a final and comprehensive evaluation to ensure that the chosen names adhere to the relevant regulations, reflect the public sentiment, and contribute to the overall usability and identity of the tram system. The decision-making process of these committees is typically guided by principles of clarity, conciseness, historical accuracy, and community acceptance.

Expected Benefits of Public Participation

Daejeon's proactive approach to involving its citizens in the tram station naming process offers several potential benefits:

Increased Public Awareness and Ownership: By actively seeking public input, the city fosters a greater sense of ownership and engagement with the tram project among its residents. This can lead to increased ridership and a more positive perception of the new transportation system.
Enhanced User Convenience: Names that are familiar, easily recognizable, and logically connected to the surrounding areas will make it easier for passengers to navigate the tram network and reach their destinations.
Preservation and Promotion of Local Identity: Incorporating historically significant names or references to local landmarks can help preserve and celebrate the unique heritage and character of different neighborhoods within Daejeon.
Reduced Potential for Disputes: A transparent and inclusive naming process can minimize the likelihood of public dissatisfaction or controversy over the final station names.
Valuable Local Knowledge: Residents often possess invaluable knowledge about their neighborhoods, including local nicknames, historical anecdotes, or significant but lesser-known landmarks that may not be readily apparent to city officials or external experts. Public input can help uncover these insights and lead to more meaningful and relevant station names.

Daejeon Metropolitan City's commitment to a citizen-driven process for naming its new tram stations is a commendable example of participatory urban planning. By actively soliciting and considering the opinions of its residents, alongside expert consultation, the city aims to create a public transportation system that is not only efficient and convenient but also deeply connected to the local community and its rich heritage. The outcome of this public consultation and the subsequent deliberations of the naming committees will play a crucial role in shaping the identity and usability of the Daejeon Urban Railway Line 2 tram for generations to come. The city's call for active citizen participation underscores the importance of collective wisdom in building a truly people-centered urban environment.