Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that the installation of 17 new public bathrooms has begun across New York City, bringing free, accessible facilities to public plazas and high-traffic areas where New Yorkers currently lack reliable access to a bathroom. He spent $4 million on this project run by Throne Labs.
They’ll be self-contained, ADA-accessible modular “bathroom pods” with a modern, weather-proof exterior, touchless entry, climate control, and built-in amenities like sinks, baby changing tables, and real-time cleanliness displays. They are 6 foot square and nice than porta potties, not a high standard.
They will be open every day from 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. Can you get locked in if you overstay your welcome?
It’s a pilot project. Each bathroom will be free and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The ADA-accessible, fully touchless units include a comfortable interior, running-water sink, flushing toilet, climate control, and a baby-changing station.
It would be a good idea if he didn’t allow drug-addicted homeless people to roam everywhere and take up residence anywhere.
They will require an app or card to enter, at least until they are broken into, which should take a long time.
Bloggers at Gothamist say you have 10 minutes to use the toilet and then the doors open.
Homeless advocates are afraid the homeless won’t be able to use them, but that’s the idea. They would establish residence in them.
Would you use this knowing you only have 10 minutes before the doors open? Maybe you forgot your IBS medication that day. Ten minutes comes faster than you think.
They’re apparently great for drug deals.
Seattle’s $116,000 “Smart” Restroom Vandalized Just Two Weeks After Installation
One of four high-tech public restrooms installed in Seattle’s Pioneer Square as part of a $465,000 pilot program was vandalized only two weeks after being deployed.
The project was launched ahead… pic.twitter.com/RVjniacrhw
— Washington Eye (@washington_EY) June 2, 2026