Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration announced the installation of 17 new high-tech toilets, each costing $235,000, as part of a $4 million initiative to address the city's public bathroom shortage. This plan was initially revealed in January and aims to supplement the existing 1,100 public restrooms available for the city's population of 8.6 million.
During a press conference in Queens, Mamdani referenced common challenges faced by New Yorkers in accessing restrooms, stating, "We have listened intently as a worker in Chipotle whispers the bathroom code to another paying customer." He added, "We have bought that nine-dollar latte, and all of us have, at some point or another, just turned around and had to go home."
Residents have expressed the need for more accessible restroom facilities. Jeffery Sidnez, a 50-year-old resident from Bed-Stuy, commented, "I mean, I’ve been in places where I held my bladder for how long, and I felt like I was gonna explode and just had to go think it’s this long overdue." Another Brooklyn resident, Debra S., stated, "I think it’s a positive thing if it’s going to be well monitored."
The toilets will be provided by Throne Labs, a modular toilet company that won the contract to construct, install, and maintain the units for one year. Features of the toilets include ADA accessibility, running water, climate control, and baby changing tables. They will be available for use daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Users can access the toilets through a phone text message, QR code, the Throne Bathroom Network app, or a tap card.
The Throne bathroom app will offer real-time cleanliness ratings, restroom locations, and access controls. For those without smartphones, tap cards will be available through local community partners, yet to be announced.
Bensonhurst resident Adrianna Mendizabal expressed concerns about safety and sanitation, stating, "I understand the idea of doing it, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea or that safe or sanitary."
Throne Labs Chief Operating Officer Jessica Heinzelman mentioned that the bathrooms will have a time limit for use, with flashing lights indicating when a user has exceeded the allotted time. She noted, "The door eventually will open, letting that user know well in advance, and that’s actually saved lives in other locations where someone is having a medical emergency, contrary to your traditional public restroom."
City Hall indicated that the rollout will occur in various locations throughout the city.