New York City is testing public bathrooms that force users out after ten minutes. The first two units, made by a company called Throne Labs, started working in September as part of a $4 million pilot program. The city expects 17 units to open across all five boroughs in the coming months.
The Countdown Begins
Anyone hoping to spend extra time on their phone will face a warning. A speaker tells users as they approach the 10-minute limit. Once the time runs out, an automated voice announces: “Attention: Your use time has expired. The door is opening now.” The message comes in both English and Spanish before the sliding door opens, which could expose anyone who has not finished.
What Happens After the Door Opens
If someone stays inside after the door opens, Throne Labs employees get an alert and can enter the bathroom in person. Workers can also call police if an occupant refuses to leave.
Getting Into the Bathroom
Access requires either a phone or a card. Users must send a text to a displayed number to unlock the bathroom. Community groups also hand out special tap cards for entry. Neither method is cheap or easy for everyone.
The units do not connect to New York’s sewer or water systems. That makes them cheaper and faster to put in than regular public restrooms. They also have touch-free facilities, free period products and plant-themed walls.
Why New York Needs These Bathrooms
The program aims to give New Yorkers clean bathrooms while away from home. The city currently has only about 1,000 public restrooms across its five boroughs.
Homelessness advocates have welcomed the new facilities but warn that needing a phone or a card could stop some of the city’s most vulnerable residents from using them.
Related Toilets Around the World
These are not the only bathrooms using technology. Earlier this year, China showed a self-driving robot toilet that moves to your bed, handles the job, and then returns to its dock to clean itself. In China, “smart” public bathrooms became popular for forcing users to watch ads to get toilet paper.
The New York pilot focuses on cheaper, faster installation and hygiene features. The Chinese examples were viral for ad-watching and a self-driving toilet.
Key Facts
- First two units began operating in September
- 17 units expected across all five boroughs
- Pilot program costs $4 million
- Units do not connect to sewer or water systems
- Time limit: 10 minutes
- Alert delivered in English and Spanish
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