That 2nd st station between 7th and 8th is going to be the busiest in the city. It might deserve a better name as the 3 stations begin to act like a single station. There will be a big benefit to sharing ramps, escalators, and exits between the two underground stations. Also, a bit of a walk to the WB station on 7th Ave - I wonder if there's a way the subway exits can be oriented towards it.
It occurred to me that every single station is going to have a unique flavour in the central part of this line, a far cry from most of our existing system Downtown. Each of these - Eau Claire/Chinatown, the Hub where all lines meet, 1st st W, and 4th St SE - will be very well used and very distinct.
Eau Claire/Chinatown - picture thousands of facepainted people swarming into the station after Canada Day celebrations or Folk Fest
The crossing/hub/junction/DT - should be the busiest in the city and have a very urban feel
1st st W - The Beltline's first station! A major destination for 20-something barhoppers and a station that will see significant bidirectional traffic. I foresee proximity to this station as a major selling point for future condos in the area
4th St SE - access to the stampede, Saddledome, New Central Library, National Music Centre, East Village, and Victoria Park - and maybe one day the site of a Calgary-Edmonton HSR terminal.
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