Metro Transit wants you to name its new mascot

Metro Transit officials are asking for the public's help in naming the agency's newly unveiled mascot. It's a "T" transit symbol outfitted with a smiley face, cartoon arms and realistically drawn legs. It also has eyebrows.

Spokesperson Howie Padilla said the mascot will start making appearances at places like baseball games and other community events as soon as this spring.

"The 'T' logo has been known for quite some time to signify Metro Transit," Padilla said. "We're using this as a way to just get awareness out of Metro Transit and the services we provide."

The agency is asking for the public's help in naming the new mascot. Contest entries can be submitted through the agency's Facebook, Twitter or email accounts. They emphasize that entries should "be gender-neutral and reflect the mascot's role as a friendly, helpful and enthusiastic transit user." The mascot's new name will be announced in April.

Reaction online ranged from suggestions to name the mascot "Mr. T" to a Facebook comment describing the mascot as an "awful image."

The design for the new mascot came out of the agency's creative services division. Padilla said it's the follow-up to a campaign last fall showing how easy it is to travel from Point A to Point B, which featured mascots of anthropomorphized "A" and a "B."