Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that the installation of 17 new public bathrooms is underway across New York City, part of his previously announced effort to bring free, accessible facilities to public plazas and high-traffic areas that traditionally haven’t had reliable restroom access.

Each bathroom will have a running-water sink, flushing toilet, climate control, and a baby-changing station. They’re mobile. They’re touchless. They’ll play music.

Just don’t dawdle. There’s a 10-minute time limit. And the door opens at the bell. (There are flashing lights, too. Breakdown around the 25-minute mark in the press conference below.)

As Mamdani said at Wednesday’s announcement, “This is not a place to scroll.”

Mamdani publicized the Request for Proposals for the city’s $4 million modular public bathroom pilot in January. A few months ago, the New York City Economic Development Corporation selected Throne Labs, which operates public bathroom networks in other major cities, to deliver, operate and service the bathrooms.

The self-contained units do not require connections to water, sewer or power infrastructure, allowing them to be deployed, relocated or removed as community needs change. Don’t worry, you’ll get plenty of warnings that your 10 minutes are almost up, and then one final one before the door opens. It’s on a slight delay. Risky.

The new bathrooms are part of a year-long pilot program.

People enter the bathrooms by text message, QR code, through the Throne Bathroom Network app or a tap card distributed by local community partners. The app also allows users to find the nearest bathroom, check real-time cleanliness ratings and see whether a unit is available.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani signs legislation creating a new program expanding access to automated bathrooms around the city. (Image: New York City Mayor’s Office)

Here are some of the planned locations for the rollout:

Bronx: Yankee Stadium, Admiral Farragut Playground, Mapes Park and Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square

Brooklyn: Columbus Park, Milestone Park, Fulton Street and Truxton Street and Avenue C Plaza

Queens: Astoria Boulevard South and 31st Street, Northern Boulevard and 31st Street, Northern Boulevard and 54th Street and 34th Avenue and 64th Street

Manhattan: Cooper Square, Malcolm X Plaza, Delancey Street and Suffolk Street and Plaza Alianza Dominicana

Staten Island: North Shore Esplanade